Gemifloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Gemifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Gemifloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.

Gemifloxacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medication if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to gemifloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

Before taking gemifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, kidney disease, joint problems, muscle weakness or trouble breathing, a history of seizures, a history of head injury of brain tumor, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood, a nerve disorder or history of circulation problems, a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.

Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take gemifloxacin.

Gemifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking gemifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.

You should not use this medication if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, if you are allergic to gemifloxacin or similar medications such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

To make sure you can safely take gemifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), dofetilide (Tikosyn), disopyramide (Norpace), ibutilide (Corvert), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quin-G), or sotalol (Betapace);

• a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;

• joint problems;

• kidney disease;

• epilepsy or a history of seizures;

• a history of head injury or brain tumor;

• a condition called pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure inside the skull that may cause headaches, vision loss, or other symptoms);

• low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia) or magnesium (hypomagnesemia);

• muscle weakness or trouble breathing;

• a nerve disorder or history of circulation problems; or

• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gemifloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Gemifloxacin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Gemifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking gemifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.