Gatifloxacin Eye Drops

Gatifloxacin Eye Drops

Gatifloxacin eye drops are drugs to treat eye infections caused by bacteria, one of which is bacterial conjunctivitis. This medicine should only be used with a doctor's prescription.

Gatifloxacin eye drops belong to the quinolone class of antibiotics. This antibiotic works by killing the bacteria that cause infection in the eye. This drug is not effective for treating infections that are not caused by bacteria.

Gatifloxacin eye drops trademarks:  Giflox, Gaforin

What are Gatifloxacin Eye Drops

Group Quinolone class of antibiotics
Category Prescription drug
Benefit Overcoming bacterial infections in the eye
Consumed by Adults and children (over 1 year old)
Gatifloxacin eye drops for pregnant and lactating women Category C: Studies in animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether Gatifloxacin eye drops are absorbed in breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Drug form Eye drops

Warning Before Using Gatifloxacin Eye Drops

Gatifloxacin eye drops should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using gatifloxacin eye drops:

  • Do not use gatifloxacin eye drops if you are allergic to this drug or to quinolone class antibiotics .
  • Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after using gatifloxacin eye drops, because using this drug can cause blurred vision.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
  • Tell your doctor if you are using any other eye drops or are taking medications, supplements, or herbal products.
  • Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or overdose after using gatifloxacin eye drops.

Dosage and Rules for Using Gatifloxacin Eye Drops

The following is the general dosage for using gatifloxacin eye drops to treat bacterial eye infections, such as  bacterial conjunctivitis :

Eye drops 0.3%

  • Days 1–2: 1 drop every 2 hours, up to 8 times daily
  • Days 3–7: 1 drop up to 4 times daily

Eye drops 0.5%

  • Day 1: 1 drop every 2 hours, up to 8 times a day
  • Days 2–7: 1 drop 2–4 times daily

How to Use Gatifloxacin Eye Drops Correctly

Always follow the instructions given by the doctor and the rules for use on the drug packaging. Gatifloxacin eye drops are used by dripping into the eyeball.

Before using gatifloxacin eye drops, make sure you have washed your hands thoroughly. Make sure the tip of the gatifloxacin eye drop bottle does not touch your eyes, hands or other surfaces, to avoid contamination.

Tilt your head up and pull back your lower eyelids. Look up and slowly apply 1 drop of gatifloxacin eye drops. Close your eyes while looking down for 1–2 minutes.

After that, gently press the corner of the eye near the nose to prevent the medicine from flowing out. Do not blink or rub your eyes while applying the medicine. Close the medicine immediately after use, but do not wash the tip of the medicine bottle.

Do not use contact lenses while using gatifloxacin eye drops. If you are using other eye drops or ointments, wait 5 minutes after using this medication.

Do not use gatifloxacin eye drops if there are granules in the liquid medicine or the liquid has changed color.

Store gatifloxacin eye drops at room temperature, in a dry place, and avoid sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Make sure the medicine bottle is tightly closed before storing it.

Interaction of Gatifloxacin Eye Drops with Other Drugs

The use of gatifloxacin eye drops together with other medicines can cause interaction effects, including:

  • Increases effect of antiarrhythmic drugs , arsenic trioxide, cisapride , chlorpromazine, droperidol, mefloquine, dolasetron, mesoridazine, moxifloxacin, pimozide, tacrolimus , pentamidine, thioridazine, or ziprasidone
  • Increases the risk of changes in blood sugar levels when used with antidiabetic drugs
  • Increase the concentration of theophylline in the blood
  • Affect the effect of anticoagulant drugs , such as warfarin
  • Increases blood creatinine levels when used with ciclosporin 

Side Effects and Dangers of Gatifloxacin Eye Drops

The following are some of the side effects that can occur after using gatifloxacin eye drops:

  • Blurred vision
  • Watery eyes
  • Headache
  • Bad taste in mouth

Check with your doctor if the complaints above don't go away or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

  • Prolonged red eyes
  • Swollen eyes or eyelids
  • Red, dry, irritated, or sore eyes

Prolonged use of gatifloxacin eye drops can increase the risk of developing fungal infections in the eye. Therefore, do not use this drug for longer than the specified time.

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