Gemifix

Indications

Gemefloxacin is an antibiotic used in adults to treat flare-ups of chronic bronchitis caused by bacteria (acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis) and mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia (lung infection caught outside hospital). Because of its possible serious side effects, it is usually kept for cases where other suitable antibiotics cannot be used.

How It Works

It belongs to the fluoroquinolone group. It blocks two bacterial enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) that bacteria need to copy their DNA, so the bacteria cannot multiply and die. It does not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: 320 mg once a day. Chronic bronchitis flare-up: usually 5 days. Pneumonia: usually 5 or 7 days, as the doctor decides. People with reduced kidney function may need 160 mg once a day. Take with a full glass of water, with or without food, at the same time each day, and drink plenty of fluids. Finish the full course even if you feel better.

Interactions

• Antacids containing magnesium or aluminium, iron, zinc, multivitamins with minerals, Sucralfate and Didanosine reduce absorption: take gemefloxacin at least 3 hours before or 2 hours after them.
• Medicines that affect heart rhythm (such as Amiodarone, Sotalol, Erythromycin, some antipsychotics and antidepressants) increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat.
• It may increase the effect of Warfarin.
• Corticosteroids such as Prednisolone increase the risk of tendon damage.
• NSAID painkillers may increase the risk of fits.
• Diabetes medicines: blood sugar may go too high or too low.

Contraindications

• Allergy to gemefloxacin or any other fluoroquinolone (such as Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin).
• A past tendon problem caused by a fluoroquinolone.
• Myasthenia gravis (it can worsen muscle weakness).
• Children and teenagers under 18 years.

Side Effects

Common effects are diarrhoea, nausea, headache, dizziness and skin rash (rash is more common in women under 40 and with courses longer than 7 days). Rare but serious effects include tendon inflammation or rupture, nerve damage (numbness, burning or tingling), mood changes or confusion, irregular heartbeat, very high or low blood sugar, and severe bowel infection.

Stop taking it and get urgent medical help for tendon pain or swelling (especially the heel), numbness or tingling, fainting or a racing or irregular heartbeat, a widespread or blistering rash, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, severe watery or bloody diarrhoea, or sudden severe pain in the chest, back or belly.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding; the doctor will usually choose another antibiotic.

Precautions and Warnings

• The risk of tendon problems is higher in people over 60, those taking corticosteroids, and people with kidney, heart or lung transplants.
• Tell the doctor about epilepsy, heart rhythm problems, low potassium, diabetes, kidney disease or aortic aneurysm.
• Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds; it can make the skin more sensitive.
• Stop and see a doctor if a rash appears.
• Do not drive if you feel dizzy.

Overdose

An overdose can cause nausea, dizziness, confusion, irregular heartbeat or fits. Seek medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.