Gemifloxacin

Alternative Medicine The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase.

Also indexed as:

Factive

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

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Gemifloxacin

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	Calcium Iron Magnesium

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 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 aluminum 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

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.

---

Last Review: 09-01-2007

Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc.  All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com

Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.

Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.

Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs

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 pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.

	Go to top of page
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.