Precautions

Before administering alatrofloxacin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to alatrofloxacin, cinoxacin (Cinobac), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), erythromycin, levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), nalidixic acid (NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), medications containing caffeine (NoDoz, Vivarin), probenecid (Benemid), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, epilepsy, or any other neurological disorder.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking alatrofloxacin, call your doctor immediately.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug will affect you.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Alatrofloxacin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Administering your medication

Before you administer alatrofloxacin, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Gently squeeze the bag or observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, if it contains particles, or if the bag or container leaks. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.

It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not stop your therapy on your own for any reason because your infection could worsen and result in hospitalization. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider may tell you to stop your infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as blockage in the tubing, needle, or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your health care provider immediately so your therapy can continue.