Drug interactions
Gemifloxacin + Magnesium hydroxide
Severity: Major
Gemifloxacin and Magnesium hydroxide: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Magnesium-containing antacids chelate gemifloxacin and reduce its absorption, risking subtherapeutic antibiotic levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gemifloxacin and Magnesium hydroxide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Gemifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Magnesium hydroxide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Chelation of gemifloxacin by magnesium cations in the gut reduces absorption.
What to do
Give gemifloxacin at least 2 hours before or 3 hours after magnesium hydroxide.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Magnesium hydroxide
Other interactions of Gemifloxacin
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gemifloxacin with Magnesium hydroxide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gemifloxacin and Magnesium hydroxide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Magnesium-containing antacids chelate gemifloxacin and reduce its absorption, risking subtherapeutic antibiotic levels.
How serious is the interaction between Gemifloxacin and Magnesium hydroxide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give gemifloxacin at least 2 hours before or 3 hours after magnesium hydroxide.
What other medicines interact with Magnesium hydroxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Magnesium hydroxide with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Dolutegravir, Levofloxacin. The full list is on the Magnesium hydroxide page.
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