Gatifloxacin ophthalmic
Generic name: gatifloxacin ophthalmic [ GAT-i-FLOX-a-sin-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Zymaxid, Zymar
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.5%)
Drug class:Ophthalmic anti-infectives
What is gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
Gatifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that fights bacteria.
Gatifloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
Gatifloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use gatifloxacin ophthalmic if you allergic to gatifloxacin or similar medicines, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and others.
Before you use gatifloxacin ophthalmic, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether gatifloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Gatifloxacin ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.
How should I use gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
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 ...
