Gatifloxacin OphthalmicGatifloxacin

About Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic

Gatifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic made as a sterile eye drop. The label approves the 0.5 percent solution for bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mitis group, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. On day one, one drop goes into the affected eye or eyes every two hours while awake, up to eight times; on days two through seven, one drop two to four times a day while awake. Safety and effectiveness are established from age 1 year; they have not been established in infants under 1 year. The whole course is usually a single 2.5 mL bottle, and MedlinePlus notes the prescription is probably not refillable.

The eye drop label carries no boxed warning. The drops are for topical use on the eye only and are never injected into the eye, because gatifloxacin introduced directly into the front chamber of the eye can injure the cells lining the cornea. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, trouble breathing, hives and itching, have occurred with quinolones, sometimes after a single dose, and rare cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported, so the drops are stopped at the first sign of an allergic reaction. Prolonged use can let non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, overgrow. The drops must not be used by anyone who has had a hypersensitivity reaction to gatifloxacin, another quinolone or any ingredient. The most common side effects in trials were worsening of the conjunctivitis, eye irritation, an altered sense of taste and eye pain.

The solution is preserved with benzalkonium chloride, which is one of the allergies MedlinePlus says to mention to the prescriber. Contact lenses should not be worn while the eye is infected or while the drops are being used, and because bacterial conjunctivitis spreads easily, hands should be washed often and eye makeup and anything else that touched the infected eye cleaned or replaced. There are no data on use in pregnancy; after use in the eye only small amounts reach the bloodstream, and the label asks the prescriber to weigh the benefit of breastfeeding against the need for the drug. The bottle is stored between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit and protected from freezing.

Taking Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic

How to take it

Wash your hands, pull the lower lid down to form a pocket and squeeze in one drop without touching the tip to the eye or anything else; close the eye for two or three minutes. Day one is one drop every two hours while awake, up to eight times; days two through seven, one drop two to four times a day. Use the drops until they are finished even if the eye looks better.

If you miss a dose

Use the missed drop as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one; then skip it. Do not use a double dose.

Storage

At room temperature, 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, in the original closed bottle, away from heat and moisture; do not let it freeze. Keep it out of reach of children.

Interactions to know about

The label lists no drug interactions for the eye drops. Tell the prescriber about any allergy to gatifloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics or benzalkonium chloride, and do not wear contact lenses while you have symptoms or are using the drops.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

A course of gatifloxacin is one small bottle, so most of any quote is the pharmacy’s markup and dispensing fee rather than the drug itself. There are only a few generic makers, so a pharmacy’s quote depends on which generic it stocks and what it paid; a pharmacy that keeps a bottle on the shelf can quote differently from one that must order it in. A prescription that names Zymaxid and blocks substitution is filled at a brand price.

Because pink eye is treated right away, the quote that matters is often from a pharmacy that has the drops in stock today.

Ways to pay less for Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic without insurance

• Ask for generic substitution; the generic drops are rated equivalent to Zymaxid.
• Before the prescription is sent, ask whether the pharmacy has gatifloxacin drops in stock, so you are not paying a rush order or waiting a day to start.
• Compare more than one pharmacy, since for a single bottle the dispensing fee makes up much of the difference between quotes.
• If gatifloxacin is quoted high or is out of stock, ask the prescriber whether a different antibiotic eye drop with more generic makers would suit your infection.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic

1. 1.Do you have gatifloxacin drops in stock today, and is yours the generic rated equivalent to Zymaxid?
2. 2.How do I space the drops on the first day when I am supposed to use them every two hours while awake?
3. 3.When can I go back to wearing my contact lenses?
4. 4.Which signs mean I am having an allergic reaction and should stop the drops right away?

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