Gatifloxacin (Into The Eye)

Gatifloxacin (ga-ti-FLOKS-a-sin)

Treats an eye infection caused by bacteria. This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Zymar
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to gatifloxacin or similar medicines such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro®), gemifloxacin (Factive®), levofloxacin (Levaquin®), moxifloxacin (Avelox®), norfloxacin (Noroxin®), or ofloxacin (Floxin®). Gatifloxacin that you take by mouth has the brand name Tequin®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball.
• Close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute.
• Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap back on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using theophylline (Theo-Dur®), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine, unless your doctor says it is okay.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Skin rash, redness, blistering, or peeling.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Eyes a little more sensitive to light than normal.
• Mild blurred vision.
• Mild redness in your eye.
• More tears or crusting than usual in your eye.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.