Gatifloxacin

Where is Gatifloxacin used and how does it work?

Gatifloxacin is an ophthalmic solution used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. This is usually used in adults and children aged 1 year and older. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria and is also contagious. It produces a yellow, green, or white discharge from the affected eye. Even though it can be irritating, it rarely affects your vision. Proper treatment can help ease the discomfort of bacterial conjunctivitis and treatment can help limit its spread.

Gatifloxacin is an FDA-approved prescription that is in the class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. This works by killing the bacteria that causes the infection.

What is the dosage of Gatifloxacin and how it is taken?

Your doctor will give you instructions on how much of this medicine you will use and how often it is used. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. To use this ophthalmic solution:

  • Wash your hands first and drop the medicine into the infected eye and gently close it for about 1 or 2 minutes. Avoid blinking so that the medicine will come into contact with the infection.
  • If you think you did not get the drop of the medicine into your eye properly, repeat the directions with another drop.
  • Do not touch the tip of the medication to any surface to keep it as germ-free as possible. Also, keep the container tightly closed.

For your infection to completely clear up, keep using the medication even if you feel better after the first few doses, even if your symptoms have disappeared, or until its full prescription is finished. The infection may not clear up if you suddenly stop using the medicine. It is very important yon t miss any doses. If you missed a dose, contact your doctor and ask for instructions.

What are the possible side effects of Gatifloxacin?

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Even though not all of these side effects may occur if they do they may need medical attention. Here some of the side effects that can occur:

  • Discharge from the eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Watering eyes
  • Stringy mucus secretions
  • Itching or dry eyes
  • Swelling of the eye or eyelid
  • Headache

During treatment, these side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Also, your doctor will tell you ways on how to prevent or reduce some of the side effects.  

What are the precautions in taking Gatifloxacin?

  • Inform your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to this prescription.
  • Your doctor must know if you are taking any other medications.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding women. If you become pregnant while using Gatifloxacin, call your doctor right away.
  • You must know that bacterial conjunctivitis easily spreads. You need to wash your hands frequently especially after touching your eyes. If your infection goes away, you must replace or wash any contact lenses, eye make-up, or other things that touched your infected eyes.