Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
GATIFLOXACIN - OPHTHALMIC
(gat-ih-FLOX-uh-sin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zymar
Uses
This medication is a quinolone antibiotic used for eye infections.
How To Use
For best results, use exactly as directed for the full time prescribed. Stopping this medication too soon may result in a relapse of the infection. To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not let the dropper tip touch any surface. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the dropper directly over eye and instill the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. If you are using other kinds of eye drops, wait at least five minutes before applying the other medications. Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions and check with your doctor before using them. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve in 7 days.
Side Effects
Blurred vision, watery eyes, headache, eye irritation/pain/dryness/redness, bad taste in mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent eye redness, swelling of the eye or eyelid. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: allergies to quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: contact lens use, other allergies. Because vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying, use caution driving or performing activities requiring clear vision. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication is passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: other antibiotics, other eye medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
A topical overdose of this product may be flushed from the eye(s) with warm tap water.
Notes
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (between 15 and 25 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Discard the solution if it changes color, turns cloudy, or if it contains particles. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
