Gemifloxacin

Also indexed as: Factive®

Gemifloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections, such as chronic bronchitis and mild to moderate pneumonia.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the medication in the body.	Calcium Iron Magnesium
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Calcium
A recent study showed that taking calcium carbonate and gemifloxacin at the same time results in a significant reduction in blood levels of the drug.¹ Consequently, gemifloxacin and calcium supplements should not be taken at the same time.

Iron
A review of interactions involving quinolone antibiotics indicated that supplements containing iron, when taken at the same time as gemifloxacin, might reduce absorption of the drug up to 50%.² Consequently, gemifloxacin and supplements containing iron should not be taken at the same time.

Magnesium
One study showed that taking an antacid containing magnesium and aluminium ten minutes before gemifloxacin results in an 85% reduction in the absorption of the drug.³ Consequently, gemifloxacin and supplements containing magnesium should not be taken at the same time.

References
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1. Allen A, Vousden M, Porter A, Lewis A. Effect of Maalox on the bioavailability of oral gemifloxacin in healthy volunteers. Chemotherapy 1999;45:504–11.

2. Lode H. Evidence of different profiles of side effects and drug-drug interactions among the quinolones—the pharmacokinetic standpoint. Chemotherapy 2001;47 Suppl 3:24–31; discussion 44–8.

3. Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen, et al. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003;47:2158–60.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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Interactions with Dietary Supplements