Did your doctor prescribe you this medicine called Gemifloxacin for a bacterial infection? So before you start using this medicine, let's talk about it in a little more detail and simply, shall we? Because it is very important to have a correct understanding of any medicine.
What is Gemifloxacin?
Simply put, Gemifloxacin is a powerful antibiotic belonging to the quinolone class. It works by destroying certain types of bacteria that enter our bodies and cause disease.
But one thing you need to remember is that this medicine only works for bacterial infections. It will not cure viral infections like colds and flu. Therefore, never take this medicine without a doctor's prescription.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is important to have a complete history of your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Condition/Occasion | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | Conditions such as high blood pressure, heart rhythm irregularities, and low blood potassium levels. |
| Diabetes | If you are diabetic. |
| Bone, joint and muscle problems | Bone, joint, or muscle problems, conditions such as myasthenia gravis. |
| Kidney or liver disease | If you have any impairment in kidney or liver function. |
| Nervous system problems | A history of seizures, neurological disorders such as numbness in the fingertips. |
| Mental health problems | If you have any mental illness. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to gemifloxacin or other quinolones, other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use this medicine?
- Take this pill with a glass of water .
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time.
- This can be taken before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- The most important thing is to finish the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better. Otherwise, if you stop taking it halfway, the infection may come back. It may also lead to antibiotic resistance.
- If you are taking antacids (syrup/tablets used for gastritis), Sucralfate, or vitamins containing iron or zinc, do not take them 2 hours before or after taking Gemifloxacin.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (e.g., only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Gemifloxacin. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including those prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, and herbal products).
Medicines that should not be taken with this medicine:
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Pimozide
- Thioridazine
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine:
- Antacids
- Birth control pills
- Some medications for diabetes (e.g. glipizide, glyburide, insulin)
- Blood thinners like Warfarin
- Didanosine
- Dofetilide
- Multivitamins
- Probenecid
- Sucralfate
- Ziprasidone
- Other medicines that affect the heart rate (medicines that prolong the QT interval)
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
- Diarrhea: This medication may cause diarrhea. If you have severe, watery diarrhea that lasts more than two days, do not take over-the-counter medication and see a doctor.
- Diabetes: If you are diabetic, this medicine may increase your blood sugar levels. So check your blood sugar levels regularly. If there are any changes, talk to your doctor.
- Drowsiness/dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. So avoid doing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this affects you. Be careful when getting up or sitting down quickly, especially if you are elderly.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be very sensitive to the sun while taking this medication. So avoid the sun as much as possible. If you go outside, wear clothing that covers your body and use sunscreen.
Side effects of the medicine
As with any medication, side effects can occur. Some are minor, but others require immediate attention.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Severe diarrhea | Bloody or watery diarrhea. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast, irregular heartbeat, fainting. |
| Muscle and joint pain | Pain or swelling in joints, muscles, or tendons. |
| Characteristics of the nervous system | Numbness or pain in the limbs, seizures, mental confusion, memory loss. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite. |
| Changes in blood sugar levels | Excessive thirst/hunger (signs of high blood sugar) or excessive sweating, shaking, fainting (signs of low blood sugar). |
| Other serious symptoms | Sudden chest, stomach, or back pain (may be a sign of aortic dissection), suicidal thoughts, mental changes, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | Headache |
| Nausea | Dry mouth |
| Trouble sleeping | |
Take-Home Message
- Gemifloxacin is a strong antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work against viral infections.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Even if you feel better, finish the entire dose of medicine prescribed by the doctor.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience joint, muscle, or vein pain, severe diarrhea, changes in heart rate, or other serious side effects.
- Be especially careful when going out in the sun and driving while taking this medication.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න