Geflox
Generic Name
Gatifloxacin
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| geflox 250 mg tablet | ৳ 8.49 | ৳ 84.92 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Gatifloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 200 mg or 250 mg once daily for 3-7 days. Other infections typically 400 mg once daily.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is needed for elderly patients with normal renal function. Monitor renal function and adjust dose if impaired.
Renal_impairment
For creatinine clearance <30 mL/min (including hemodialysis/CAPD patients), the initial dose is 400 mg followed by 200 mg every 24 hours.
How to Take
Geflox tablets can be taken orally with or without food. It is recommended to take the tablet with a full glass of water.
Mechanism of Action
Gatifloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, essential enzymes for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. This leads to cell death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Rapid onset of action, typically within hours.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine (approximately 70% of the dose within 48 hours). Renal impairment requires dose adjustment.
Half life
Approximately 7-14 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Absorption
Rapidly and well absorbed after oral administration, with bioavailability of approximately 96%. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved in 1-2 hours.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized in the liver; approximately <1% of the dose is metabolized.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to gatifloxacin, other fluoroquinolones, or any component of the formulation.
- Patients with a history of tendonitis or tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone use.
- History of QT prolongation or uncorrected hypokalemia.
- Patients with Myasthenia Gravis (may exacerbate muscle weakness).
Drug Interactions
NSAIDs
May increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.
Warfarin
May enhance the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, requiring monitoring of INR.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of tendon rupture when co-administered.
Antiarrhythmics (Class IA and III)
Increased risk of QT prolongation when co-administered with drugs like quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol.
Antacids (containing magnesium or aluminum), Sucralfate, Iron/Zinc supplements
Co-administration significantly reduces the oral bioavailability of gatifloxacin. Take gatifloxacin at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after these agents.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of an acute overdose, gastric emptying (e.g., induced emesis or gastric lavage) may be indicated. The patient should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment, including ECG monitoring, as appropriate. Adequate hydration should be maintained. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not effective in removing gatifloxacin from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Gatifloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is excreted in human breast milk; therefore, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to gatifloxacin, other fluoroquinolones, or any component of the formulation.
- Patients with a history of tendonitis or tendon rupture associated with fluoroquinolone use.
- History of QT prolongation or uncorrected hypokalemia.
- Patients with Myasthenia Gravis (may exacerbate muscle weakness).
Drug Interactions
NSAIDs
May increase the risk of CNS stimulation and convulsive seizures.
Warfarin
May enhance the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, requiring monitoring of INR.
Corticosteroids
Increased risk of tendon rupture when co-administered.
Antiarrhythmics (Class IA and III)
Increased risk of QT prolongation when co-administered with drugs like quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol.
Antacids (containing magnesium or aluminum), Sucralfate, Iron/Zinc supplements
Co-administration significantly reduces the oral bioavailability of gatifloxacin. Take gatifloxacin at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after these agents.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of an acute overdose, gastric emptying (e.g., induced emesis or gastric lavage) may be indicated. The patient should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment, including ECG monitoring, as appropriate. Adequate hydration should be maintained. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not effective in removing gatifloxacin from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Gatifloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is excreted in human breast milk; therefore, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, specific to batch.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
Clinical Trials
Gatifloxacin has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety profile across various bacterial infections prior to and after its market approval. Studies focused on its bactericidal activity, pharmacokinetics, and clinical outcomes in patients with respiratory, urinary, and skin infections.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function tests (e.g., creatinine clearance) in patients with kidney impairment.
- Blood glucose levels, especially in diabetic patients, due to risk of dysglycemia.
- ECG monitoring for patients with risk factors for QT prolongation.
Doctor Notes
- Prioritize alternative antibiotics if appropriate, especially for uncomplicated infections, due to fluoroquinolone-associated severe adverse reactions.
- Carefully assess patient history for tendon disorders, neuropathy, and Myasthenia Gravis before prescribing.
- Monitor blood glucose closely, particularly in diabetic patients, due to the risk of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
- Advise patients to report any tendon pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness immediately.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the full prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
- Drink plenty of fluids to ensure adequate hydration.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure or use protective clothing and sunscreen, as fluoroquinolones can cause photosensitivity.
- Report any tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation immediately, especially in the Achilles tendon, as tendon rupture can occur.
- Do not take gatifloxacin with antacids or mineral supplements (iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium) within 2 hours before or 4 hours after your dose.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Gatifloxacin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or visual disturbances. Patients should be advised to know how they react to gatifloxacin before driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent reinfection.
- If diabetic, monitor blood sugar closely during treatment.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during the course of antibiotics, as it may worsen side effects.
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