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Factive - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Gemifloxacin

Factive is an antibiotic that is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Factive is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body. Factive is used to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Factive may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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.
• Patients with kidney problems may need a lower dosage.
• Gemifloxacin can be taken with or without food.
• Gemifloxacin is usually taken once a day. Take each dose at the same time every day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Uses of Factive

• This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
• This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Side Effects of Factive

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Factive. Side effects may include:

• Diarrhea, headache, nausea, rash

Warnings and precautions before taking Factive:

• Do 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.
• Use Factive with caution if you have epilepsy or a history of convulsions. Antibiotics such as Factive have infrequently caused serious nervous system problems, including convulsions. These antibiotics have also caused tremors, restlessness, anxiety, lightheadedness, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. Call your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.
• Do not take Factive if you have low potassium or magnesium levels, since this increases the possibility of having convulsions.
• Factive may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how Factive affects you.
• Before taking gemifloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin .

Drug Interaction :-If Factive is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. 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)
  
• Antidepressants such as Elavil
  
• Antipsychotics such as Risperdal
  
• Diuretics ("water pills") such as hydrochlorothiazide or Lasix
  
• Erythromycin
  
• Probenecid

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of a gemifloxacin overdose may include decreased activity, dizziness, tremors, and convulsions.