Drug Notes

Gatifloxacin (Into the eye)

Gatifloxacin (gat-i-FLOX-a-sin)

Treats conjunctivitis ("pink eye") caused by certain kinds of bacteria. This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Zymaxid

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• 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.
• To use the eye drops: 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. Gently 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 on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines can affect how gatifloxacin works. Tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine, theophylline, or a blood thinner (including warfarin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not wear contact lenses until your infection is gone. This will prevent more eye irritation.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Blurred vision, eye pain
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Redness, itching, or swelling of the eye or eyelid

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

• 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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017