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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Gatifloxacin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

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.

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with gatifloxacin ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Serious side effects are not expected to occur during treatment with this medication.

Some eye burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, or tearing; blurred vision; eyelid swelling or itching; or a bad taste in the mouth may occur. Continue to use gatifloxacin ophthalmic and talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience.

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with gatifloxacin ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with gatifloxacin ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Your pharmacist has additional information about gatifloxacin ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic is available with a prescription under the brand name Zymar in a solution formulation. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.