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, an 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 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 (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
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.
The information presented in Aisle7 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.
