Gatifloxacin (Ophthalmic)

Gatifloxacin eye drops are used to treat infections of the eye, like bacterial conjunctivitis. Gatifloxacin is part of a group of medicines known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It works by killing the bacteria that cause conjunctivitis.

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

If you or your child’s eye infection does not get better within a few days, or if it gets worse, contact your doctor.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical help. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, red or swollen skin around the eye or eyelid, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while using this medicine.

Serious skin reactions can happen with this medicine. Contact your doctor right away if you or your child have blistering, peeling, or loose skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills while using this medicine.

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to consider the risks and benefits. This is a choice you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the usefulness of Zymaxid® in kids. However, safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed in children younger than 1 year old.

Studies so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the usefulness of Zymar® in kids.

Geriatric

Studies so far have not shown any specific problems in the elderly that would limit the usefulness of gatifloxacin eye drops.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if an interaction may happen. In these cases, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around mealtimes or with certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect how you can use this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Corneal problems—Use with caution. May worsen these conditions.

Along with its needed effects, Gatifloxacin (Ophthalmic) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may happen, if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Eye irritation
• eye pain
• eye redness

Less common

• Bloody eye
• decrease in vision
• swelling of the membrane covering the white part of the eye

Rare

• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• itching
• joint or muscle pain
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• Difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hives or welts, or skin rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the skin
• tightness in the chest
• trouble breathing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to Gatifloxacin (Ophthalmic). Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Blurred vision
• discharge from the eyes
• itching eyes
• stringy mucus secretions
• swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• watering eyes

Less common

• Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• change in taste
• dry eye
• headache

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

In the U.S.

• Zymar
• Zymaxid

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

Chemical Class: Fluoroquinolone

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

To use the eye drops:

• First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, repeat the directions with another drop.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

To help clear up your eye infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared and even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):For bacterial conjunctivitis: Zymar®:Adults and children— Days 1 and 2: Put 1 drop in the affected eye every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times a day. Days 3 through 7: Put 1 drop in the affected eye up to 4 times a day while awake. Zymaxid®: Adults and children 1 year of age and older— Day 1: Put 1 drop in the affected eye every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times. Days 2 through 7: Put 1 drop in the affected eye 2 to 4 times a day while awake. Children younger than 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.