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Overview: Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat certain bacterial infections of the eye. It kills certain types of bacteria by disrupting their ability to create and repair their DNA. The most common side effects include eye irritation and changes in how things taste. Stop using this medicine, and call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash.

Uses

What is gatifloxacin used for?

Gatifloxacin is commonly used to treat conjunctivitis (pink eye), which is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed possibly due to bacteria.

Gatifloxacin may not be appropriate for the infection listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to gatifloxacin, which will make it not work as well.

Gatifloxacin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does gatifloxacin work (mechanism of action)?

Gatifloxacin kills certain types of bacteria by disrupting their ability to create and repair their DNA.

How is gatifloxacin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zymar
  • Zymaxid

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store gatifloxacin?

Some gatifloxacin products should be stored at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C) and may be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Some gatifloxacin products should be stored at room temperature between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25). Do not freeze any gatifloxacin products. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your gatifloxacin product.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of gatifloxacin?

The most common side effects of gatifloxacin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Worsening pink eye
  • Eye irritation or pain
  • Change in how things taste

There may be other side effects of gatifloxacin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of gatifloxacin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of gatifloxacin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Gatifloxacin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using gatifloxacin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. Gatifloxacin can cause a severe skin reaction, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop gatifloxacin and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using gatifloxacin for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use gatifloxacin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use gatifloxacin.

  • Gatifloxacin
  • Zymar
  • Zymaxid
  • Any other medicine known as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic or quinolone antibiotic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific gatifloxacin products they stock.

What should I know about gatifloxacin before using it?

Do not use gatifloxacin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share gatifloxacin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep gatifloxacin out of the reach of children.

Gatifloxacin should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Do not inject gatifloxacin into the eye. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to use gatifloxacin.

Do not wear contact lenses while your eye infection is being treated with gatifloxacin. Talk to your healthcare provider about when you can safely start wearing contact lenses again after your eye infection is treated.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using gatifloxacin?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if gatifloxacin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how gatifloxacin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if gatifloxacin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use gatifloxacin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does gatifloxacin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between gatifloxacin and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between gatifloxacin and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does gatifloxacin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between gatifloxacin and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much gatifloxacin?

If you or someone else has used too much gatifloxacin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of gatifloxacin?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of gatifloxacin, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to gatifloxacin or other similar medicines.