Gatifloxacin (Into the eye)

gat-i-FLOX-a-sin

Treats conjunctivitis (“pink eye“) caused by certain kinds of bacteria. This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Drug classes

Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic (eye) preparation is used to treat infections of the eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis. Gatifloxacin belongs to a group of medicines called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that cause conjunctivitis.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Liquid, Drop

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

If a dose is missed:

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using theophylline (Theo-Dur®), cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), or a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®).

When Not To Use

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to gatifloxacin or similar medicines such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro®), gemifloxacin (Factive®), levofloxacin (Levaquin®), moxifloxacin (Avelox®), norfloxacin (Noroxin®), or ofloxacin (Floxin®). Gatifloxacin that you take by mouth has the brand name Tequin®.

Warnings

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, or red or swollen skin around the eye or eyelid. These may be symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Do not wear contact lenses until your infection is gone. This will prevent more eye irritation.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blurred vision.

Eye pain.

Redness, itching, or other eye irritation.

Swelling of the eye or eyelid.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Eyes a little more sensitive to light than normal.

Mild blurred vision.

Mild redness in your eye.

More tears or crusting than usual in your eye.

Unusual or bad taste in your mouth.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Zymar, Zymaxid

There may be other brand names for this medicine.