GATIFLOXACIN (Ophthalmic)?
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
? Not commercially available in Canada.
Category
- Antibacterial, ophthalmic
Description
Ophthalmic gatifloxacin ((ga-ti-FLOKS-a-sin) )is used in the eye to treat bacterial infections of the eye. Ophthalmic gatifloxacinworks by killing bacteria.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in thefollowing dosage forms:
Ophthalmic- Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For gatifloxacin, the followingshould be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusualor allergic reaction to gatifloxacin or any other related medicines, suchas cinoxacin (e.g., Cinobac), ciprofloxacin (e.g., Cipro or Ciloxan), norfloxacin(e.g., Noroxin), ofloxacin (e.g., Floxin). Also tell your doctor and pharmacistif you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,or dyes.
Pregnancy?Ophthalmic gatifloxacin has not been studied inpregnant women. However, studies in animals that were given very high dosesof gatifloxacin by mouth have shown that gatifloxacin can cause problems inthe fetus. Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if youare pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether ophthalmic gatifloxacinpasses into human breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milkin small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Motherswho are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss thiswith their doctor.
Children?Use is not recommended in infants and childrenunder 1 year of age. In children older than 1 year of age, this medicine isnot expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific informationcomparing use of gatifloxacin in the elderly with use in other age groups,this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problemsin older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) medicine that is to be used in the eye.
Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of gatifloxacin. Make sure you tell your doctorif you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Allergy to gatifloxacin or
- Allergy to any part of the medicine?serious allergic reactionscan occur
Proper Use of This Medicine
To usegatifloxacin ophthalmic solution (eye drops):
- First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lowereyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouchand gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutesto allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
- If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eyesproperly, use another drop.
- To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicatortip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
To help clear up your eye infection completely, keep using ophthalmic gatifloxacin for the full time of treatment,even if your symptoms have disappeared. If you stop using this medicine tosoon your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.Dosing? The following information includes onlythe average doses of gatifloxacin. If your dose is different,do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.
- For ophthalmic solution dosage form:
- For bacterial conjunctivitis:
- Adults and children 1 year of age and older?Days 1 and 2: Putone drop in the affected eye(s) every two hours while awake. Do not put dropsin more than 8 times a day. Days 3 through 7: Put one drop in the affectedeye(s) every 4 hours while awake. Do not put drops in more than 4 times aday.
- Infants and children up to 1 year of age?Use and dose mustbe determined by your doctor.
Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply assoon as possible; if almost time for the next dose , skipping missed doseand going back to regular dosing schedule; not double doses.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask yourhealth care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do notuse. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Ifyour eye infection does not improve within a few days, or if it becomes worse,check with your doctor.
Stop using these eye drops and contact your doctorat the first sign of a rash or an allergic reaction.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicinemay cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects mayoccur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to themedicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effectscontinue or are bothersome.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Ifyou notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 11/06/2003
