Gemitab 320

Introduction
Gemitab 320 is an antibiotic, used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is also used in treating infections of the urinary tract, nose, throat, skin and soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia). It cures the infection by stopping the further growth of the causative microorganisms. Gemitab 320 should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time. Avoid skipping any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Simply take the next dose as planned. You may have a rash, vomiting, headache, dizziness, stomach pain and nausea as side effects of this medicine. These are usually temporary and resolves on its own, but please consult your doctor if it bothers you or persists for a longer duration. Diarrhea may also occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools. You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Special care should be taken in people with kidney problems while taking this medicine.

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Uses of Gemitab 320
Bacterial infections
Side effects of Gemitab 320
Common
Rash
Vomiting
Headache
Dizziness
Stomach pain
Nausea
Diarrhea
How to use Gemitab 320
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Gemitab 320 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Gemitab 320 works
Gemitab 320 is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase. This prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing, thereby killing them.
What if you forget to take Gemitab 320?
If you miss a dose of Gemitab 320, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick Tips
Your doctor has prescribed Gemitab 320 to cure your infection and improve symptoms.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Discontinue Gemitab 320 and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn’t stop or if you find blood in your stools.
Notify your doctor if you feel pain in your tendons, numbness, or tingling sensations.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Brief Description
Indication
Chronic bronchitis, Community-acquired pneumonia
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Oral Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis Adult: 320 mg once daily for 5 days. Community-acquired pneumonia Adult: Mild to moderate: 320 mg once daily for 7 days.

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Child Dose
Safety and efficacy not established

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Renal Dose
Renal impairment: CrCl (ml/min) <40 (or patient on haemodialysis/CAPD) 160 mg once daily. _ Contraindication Hypersensitivity. Patients receiving class IA or III antiarrhythmics. Mode of Action The bactericidal action of gemifloxacin results from inhibition of the enzymes topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV, which are required for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. Precaution Patient w/ known or suspected CNS disorders (e.g. seizure disorders) or other risk factors predisposing to seizures, myasthenia gravis, previous tendon disorders (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis), history of QT interval prolongation, significant bradycardia or acute myocardial ischaemia, uncorrected electrolyte disorders. Kidney, heart or lung transplant recipients. Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling May impair ability to perform activities that require mental alertness or coordination (e.g. driving, operating machinery). Rest and refrain from doing strenuous physical activity as it may increase risk of tendon rupture. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g. tanning beds) and use protective measures (e.g. sunscreen, wear loose-fitting clothes) if staying outdoors is necessary during therapy. Monitoring Parameters Monitor WBC, signs and symptoms of infection and renal function. Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; do not use unless benefit to mother outweighs risk _ Side Effect 1-10% Diarrhea (5%),Headache (4%),Nausea (4%),Rash (4%),Transaminases increased (1-4%),Abdominal pain (2%),Dizziness (2%),Vomiting (2%),Neutropenia (1%),Platelets increased (1%),Thrombocythemia (1%),GGT increased (1%) <1% Peripheral neuropathy,Photosensitivity,Tendon rupture _ Interaction Additive effect on QT interval prolongation w/ class IA (e.g. quinidine) or class III (e.g. amiodarone) antiarrhythmics and other drugs that prolong QT interval (e.g. erythromycin, TCAs, antipsychotic agents). Renal clearance reduced w/ probenecid. Decreased absorption w/ Al or Mg-containing antacids, buffered didanosine, sucralfate or dietary supplements containing metal cations (e.g. Zn, Mg, Fe). Increased risk of severe tendon disorders esp in elderly (>60 yr) w/ corticosteroids. May increase prothrombin time, INR and/or bleeding w/ warfarin.

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