Factive Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Gemifloxacin

GEMIFLOXACIN (Factive®) is an antibacterial agent. It kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It is used to treat bronchitis and pneumonia. Gemifloxacin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs known as fluoroquinolones. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It will not work for viral infections including such as common cold, flu. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Factive Dosage

• The recommended dosage is one 320-milligram tablet once a day for 5 days if you have bronchitis and for 7 days if you have pneumonia.
• The safety and effectiveness of Factive have not been evaluated in children less than 18 years old.

Uses of Factive

• Gemifloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Gemifloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Factive

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Factive. Side effects may include:

• flushing
• fungal infection
• gas
• high blood sugar
• hives
• hot flashes
• indigestion
• insomnia
• itching
• skin irritation
• sleepiness
• sore throat
• stomach problems
• tremor

Warnings and precautions before taking Factive:

• Factive can cause a condition known as photoxicity. Photoxicity can make your skin sunburn easier. So do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed while taking Factive. You should use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
• Factive should not be used in children under the age of 18.
• You should not use Factive if you have had a recent heart attack or if you have a history of irregular heartbeat, obstructed blood vessels or arteries, a very slow heartbeat, or a family history of heart rhythm problems.
• It may also cause dizziness. So do not drive or operate dangerous machinery.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Factive, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Factive medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Factive with the following:

• Antiarrhythmics (heartbeat-regulating drugs) such as amiodarone (Cordarone), procainamide (Procan), quinidine (Quinidex), and sotalol (Betapace)
  
• Antipsychotics such as Risperdal
• Diuretics ("water pills") such as hydrochlorothiazide or Lasix
  
• Erythromycin
  
• Probenecid
  
• Steroids such as Prednisone

Overdose

When you are taking Factive, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Factive overdose may include:-

• decreased activity
• dizziness
• tremors
• convulsions