Your doctor has ordered gatifloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, to help treat your infection. The medication will be added to an intravenous fluid that will drip through a needle or catheter placed in your vein for at least 60 minutes once a day.
Gatifloxacin kills bacteria that cause infections, including certain types of gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease) and certain lung, sinus, skin, and urinary tract infections.
Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory, and to tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during your treatment. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have and on how your infection and symptoms respond to the medication.
Before you administer gatifloxacin, look at the solution closely. It should be 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 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 skip doses, stop your treatment, or change your dosing schedule for any reason without talking to your health care provider. If you stop your treatment early or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Your health care provider may tell you to stop your infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as a blockage in the tubing, needle, or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your health care provider immediately so your treatment can continue.
- Tequin®
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