gatifloxacin ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

gatifloxacin ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Zymar

What is the most important information I should know about gatifloxacin ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with gatifloxacin ophthalmic.

What is gatifloxacin ophthalmic?

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic is an antibiotic.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using gatifloxacin ophthalmic?

Do not use gatifloxacin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. Do not use gatifloxacin ophthalmic if you have had an allergic reaction to it or other similar medicines in the past. Medicines similar to gatifloxacin ophthalmic include gatifloxacin (Tequin), ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin ophthalmic (Ocuflox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin ophthalmic (Chibroxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), levofloxacin ophthalmic (Quixin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and moxifloxacin (Avelox). Gatifloxacin ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use gatifloxacin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether gatifloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use gatifloxacin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use gatifloxacin ophthalmic?

Use gatifloxacin ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying gatifloxacin ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

To apply the eye drops:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct..

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store gatifloxacin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to threaten life. If an overdose is suspected or if the drops are ingested, call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.