Gatifloxacin ophthalmic

Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone family that targets bacteria.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial eye infections.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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 tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and every medicine you are using.

You should not use gatifloxacin ophthalmic if you are allergic to gatifloxacin or similar medicines, like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and others.

Before using gatifloxacin ophthalmic, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies.

It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known if gatifloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• eye swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of a new infection); or
• any new or worsening eye problems.

Common side effects of gatifloxacin ophthalmic may include:

• mild itching, burning, redness, or irritation;
• watery eyes; or
• puffy eyelids.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

0.3% solution:-Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times a day.-Days 3 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a day while awake.0.5% solution:-Day 1: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times a day.-Days 2 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times a day while awake.Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus, S epidermidis, Streptococcus mitis group, S pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Corynebacterium propinquum, S oralis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

1 year or older:0.3% solution:-Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times a day.-Days 3 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a day while awake.0.5% solution:-Day 1: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times a day.-Days 2 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times a day while awake.Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible strains of S aureus, S epidermidis, S mitis group, S pneumoniae, H influenzae, C propinquum, S oralis

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

An overdose of gatifloxacin ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone accidentally swallows the medication.

You should not wear contact lenses while you have active symptoms of an eye infection.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with gatifloxacin ophthalmic unless your doctor instructs you to.

It is unlikely that other medicines you take by mouth or injection will affect gatifloxacin used in the eyes. However, many medicines can interact with one another. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.