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Gatifloxacin

Pronounced

"gat-ih-FLOX-uh-sin"

Common brand names:

Zymar

Uses

This medication is a quinolone antibiotic used for eye infections (such as conjunctivitis).

This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How to Use This Medication

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day for the first 2 days and then 2 times a day for the next 5 days.

For best results, use exactly as directed for the full time prescribed. Stopping this medication too soon may result in a return of the infection.

To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the dropper directly over eye and instill the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper.

If you are using other kinds of eye drops, wait at least five minutes before applying the other medications.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions and check with your doctor before using them.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve in 7 days.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.