Gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pinkeye; infection of the membrane that covers the outside of the eyeballs and the inside of the eyelids). Gatifloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infection.
Gatifloxacin comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops) to be placed in the eyes. It is usually used every 2 hours while awake (up to eight times a day) for 2 days, and then four times a day for 5 days. To help you remember to use gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution, use it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You should expect your symptoms to improve during your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not go away or get worse, or if you develop other problems with your eyes during your treatment.
Use gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
When you use gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution, be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, face, or any surface. If the tip does touch another surface, bacteria may get into the eye drops. Using eye drops that are contaminated with bacteria may cause serious damage to the eye or loss of vision. If you think your eye drops have become contaminated, call your doctor or pharmacist.
To use the eye drops, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
- Remove the protective cap from the bottle. Make sure that the end of the dropper tip is not chipped or cracked.
- Hold the bottle with the tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the medication inside.
- Lie down and gaze upward or tilt your head back.
- Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
- With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
- Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
- Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
- If your doctor told you to place gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution in both eyes, repeat steps 6-10 above for your other eye.
- Replace the cap on the bottle and tighten it right away. Do not wipe or rinse off the tip.
- Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
- Zymar®
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