Factive

Special warnings about Factive

Do not use Factive if you have had a recent heart attack or if you have a history of irregular heartbeat, obstructed blood vessels or arteries, a very slow heartbeat, or a family history of heart rhythm problems.

Use Factive with caution if you have epilepsy or a history of convulsions. Antibiotics such as Factive have infrequently caused serious nervous system problems, including convulsions. These antibiotics have also caused tremors, restlessness, anxiety, lightheadedness, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. Call your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.

Do not take Factive if you have low potassium or magnesium levels, since this increases the possibility of having convulsions.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have heart palpitations or fainting spells while taking Factive. These symptoms could signal a rare--but serious--heart problem associated with the drug.

Like all antibiotics, Factive could cause severe inflammation of the bowels. Tell your doctor right away if you develop diarrhea while taking this drug.

Factive may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Antibiotics such as Factive may cause tendon problems in certain people, especially athletes, those taking steroids, and the elderly. Call your doctor immediately if you feel pain or tenderness in a tendon or rupture any tendons, and be sure to rest and avoid exercise until the injury has been evaluated.

Because Factive increases sensitivity to sunlight, use sunblock when outdoors and avoid sunlamps.

Antibiotics such as Factive have been known to thin the blood. If you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), your doctor will monitor you closely.

The safety and effectiveness of Factive have not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in children less than 18 years old.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Factive

If Factive is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Factive with the following:

Antiarrhythmics (heartbeat-regulating drugs) such as amiodarone (Cordarone), procainamide (Procan), quinidine (Quinidex), and sotalol (Betapace)
Antidepressants such as Elavil
Antipsychotics such as Risperdal
Diuretics ("water pills") such as hydrochlorothiazide or Lasix
Erythromycin
Probenecid
Steroids such as Prednisone

Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any over-the-counter drugs or dietary supplements.