Alatrofloxacin is given to treat infections of the lower respiratory system, urinary tract, sinuses, the skin, bones and joints, and prostate. Alatrofloxacin is also used for inhalational anthrax, STDs, severe bronchial infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, and pneumonia.
Alatrofloxacin belongs to the family of Flouroquinolone, which are effective against many organisms that traditional antibiotics fail to resist. Alatrofloxacin kills a variety of bacteria, and prevent them from reproducing and is often used to treat infections all over the body. However, they are not considered good to treat viral infections like flu.
Alatrofloxacin is available as a tablet and an oral suspension and as eardrops.
Stop taking Alatrofloxacin and seek medical help right away at the first sign of a skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Though rare, serious and seldom fatal allergic reactions have been reported, even after the first dose.
These reactions include loss of consciousness, swelling of the face and throat, shortness of breath, hives, tingling, and rash.
You should not take Alatrofloxacin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Alatrofloxacin or other antibiotics of this type such as Floxin, Noroxin and Trovan.
You should not drive a car, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Alatrofloxacin affects you.
Continued or prolonged use of this drug may result in a growth of bacteria that do not respond to this medication and can cause a secondary infection.
If you have a known or suspected central nervous system disorder such as epilepsy or hardening of the arteries in the brain, inform your physician before taking Alatrofloxacin.
You should consult your doctor before taking Alatrofloxacin if you have liver or kidney disease.
Most common side effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Less common side effects of Alatrofloxacin are abdominal pain, headache, rash, restlessness.
Rare side effects of Alatrofloxacin may include confusion, shortness of breath, blood in urine, coughing up blood, depression, dizziness, hives, irritability, liver and kidney failures.
The following can interfere with the absorption of Alatrofloxacin:
Antacids
Carafate
Iron Supplements and other multivitamins containing calcium, or zinc (also avoid taking milk or yogurt)
Videx
Serious and fatal reactions have occurred when Alatrofloxacin was taken in combination with theophylline, Probeneacid and Cimetidine.
Alatrofloxacin may increase the effects of caffeine.
If Alatrofloxacin is taken with these drugs, the effects of either could be increased or decreased:
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclosporine
Glyburide
Metoprolol
Phenytoin
Warfarin
CHILDREN:
Not recommended, unless for treating Anthrax. Their dose is calculated at the rate of 15mg per 2.2 lbs of body weight.
ADULTS:
100-200mg a day for a maximum period of 28days.
Doses of Alatrofloxacin may be reduced if the patient has kidney problems.
Animal studies have shown birth defects by Alatrofloxacin. Inform your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant before using this drug.
Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Alatrofloxacin.
Symptoms of Alatrofloxacin overdose include confusion, delusion, headache, upset stomach, and convulsions. In rare cases Alatrofloxacin overdose may cause kidney failure. In case of Alatrofloxacin overdose seek medical help right away.
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