Drug Interaction Report

Talk to your doctor before using citric acid together with gemifloxacin. Citric acid can change the acidity of your urine, which may cause gemifloxacin to crystallize and form stones. This may also occur if you are dehydrated, so you should drink plenty of fluids during treatment with gemifloxacin. Let your doctor know if you experience flank pain, painful urination, or blood in the urine. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Gemifloxacin and magnesium oxide should not be taken orally at the same time. Products that contain magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, and/or other minerals may interfere with the absorption of gemifloxacin into the bloodstream and reduce its effectiveness. If possible, it may be best to avoid taking magnesium oxide while you are being treated with gemifloxacin. Otherwise, gemifloxacin should be taken 2 to 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after a magnesium oxide dose, gemifloxacin should be taken at least 2 hours before and not less than 6 hours after Suprep Bowel Prep (magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates), or gemifloxacin and magnesium oxide should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure whether your medications contain something that could potentially interact or if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

The laxative effect of sodium picosulfate may be decreased when used during or following treatment with gemifloxacin. In addition, gemifloxacin can cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. The risk is increased if you have low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, which can occur with bowel cleansing preparations or excessive use of medications that have a laxative effect. Do not exceed the dose and duration of use of sodium picosulfate recommended on the product label or prescribed by your doctor. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe a substitute for sodium picosulfate that is not affected by treatment with gemifloxacin. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications. In addition, you should let your doctor know if you experience signs and symptoms of low magnesium or potassium blood level such as weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, tingling, numbness, muscle pain, cramps, nausea, or vomiting. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Oral medications may not be properly absorbed when they are taken within one hour before starting sodium picosulfate for bowel cleansing. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if you should adjust the dosing schedule of your other medications before you begin bowel cleansing treatment. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.