Generic Name: gatifloxacin ophthalmic (GAT i FLOX a sin off THAL mik)
Brand names: Zymar, Zymaxid
What is gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Gatifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.
Gatifloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
Gatifloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you allergic to gatifloxacin
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to gatifloxacin (Tequin) or similar medications such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.
Avoid wearing contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye infection you are treating. Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe swelling, burning, redness, or discomfort, eye pain or vision changes, signs of new eye infection (drainage, crusting, or oozing), or the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you allergic to gatifloxacin
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to gatifloxacin (Tequin) or similar medications such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gatifloxacin ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether gatifloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use gatifloxacin eye drops in a child younger than 1 year old.
How should I use gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
You may need to use the eye drops every 2 hours for the first couple of days, and then every 4 hours for the rest of your treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
You may rinse the eyes with warm water if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of gatifloxacin ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while using gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye infection you are treating.
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Avoid caffeine while you are using gatifloxacin, because the medication can make the effects of caffeine stronger.
Gatifloxacin ophthalmic side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
severe swelling, burning, redness, or discomfort in or around your eye;
eye pain, vision changes, increased sensitivity of your eyes to light;
signs of new infection, such as drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids;
the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild itching, burning, redness, or irritation;
watery eyes;
puffy eyelids;
headache;
unpleasant taste in your mouth after using the drops.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Gatifloxacin ophthalmic Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Conjunctivitis:
gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3%:
Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times daily.
Days 3 through 7: Instill 1 drop up to 4 times daily while awake.
gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5%:
Day 1: Instill one drop every two hours in the affected eye(s) while awake, up to 8 times on daily.
Days 2 through 7: Instill one drop two to four times daily in the affected eye(s) while awake.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Conjunctivitis:
1 year or older:
gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3%:
Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times daily.
Days 3 through 7: Instill 1 drop up to 4 times daily while awake.
gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5%:
Day 1: Instill one drop every two hours in the affected eye(s) while awake, up to 8 times on daily.
Days 2 through 7: Instill one drop two to four times daily in the affected eye(s) while awake.
What other drugs will affect gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on gatifloxacin used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
cyclosporine used in the eyes (Restasis) or taken by mouth (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with gatifloxacin ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More gatifloxacin ophthalmic resources
- Gatifloxacin ophthalmic Dosage
- Gatifloxacin ophthalmic Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Gatifloxacin ophthalmic Support Group
- 7 Reviews for Gatifloxacin - Add your own review/rating
- Zymar Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Zymar eent Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Zymar Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Zymar Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Zymaxid Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Zymaxid Consumer Overview
Compare gatifloxacin ophthalmic with other medications
- Conjunctivitis
- Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
- Ophthalmic Surgery
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about gatifloxacin ophthalmic.
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