Zymar (Ophthalmic)
Generic name:gatifloxacin (ophthalmic route) [ gat-i-FLOX-a-sin ]
Drug class:Ophthalmic anti-infectives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 17, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Zymar
- Zymaxid
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic
Chemical Class: Fluoroquinolone
Uses for Zymar
Gatifloxacin eye drops are used to treat infections of the eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis. Gatifloxacin belongs to a group of medicines called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that cause conjunctivitis.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Zymar
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Zymaxid® in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 1 year of age.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Zymar® in children.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of gatifloxacin eye drops in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Corneal problems—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
