What is 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
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.
How should I take gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
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:
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.
What happens if I miss a dose of gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
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.
Where can I get more information about gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about gatifloxacin ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
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.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about 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.
What should I avoid while taking gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
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.
What other drugs will affect gatifloxacin ophthalmic?
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.
What happens if I have an overdose of gatifloxacin ophthalmic?