Drug interactions
Gemifloxacin + Polysaccharide iron
Severity: Moderate
Gemifloxacin and Polysaccharide iron: moderate 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
Iron binds oral gemifloxacin in the gut and lowers its absorption, which can lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels and treatment failure. The effect occurs only when both are taken by mouth.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gemifloxacin and Polysaccharide iron can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Chelation of the fluoroquinolone by polyvalent iron cations in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption.
What to do
Give gemifloxacin at least 2 hours before or 3 hours after the iron preparation. Otherwise, hold the iron for the duration of the antibiotic course if feasible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Polysaccharide iron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gemifloxacin and Polysaccharide iron can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Iron binds oral gemifloxacin in the gut and lowers its absorption, which can lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels and treatment failure. The effect occurs only when both are taken by mouth.
How serious is the interaction between Gemifloxacin and Polysaccharide iron?
MediHelp rates it moderate, 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 the iron preparation. Otherwise, hold the iron for the duration of the antibiotic course if feasible.
What other medicines interact with Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gemifloxacin with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Gemifloxacin page.
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