What is this medicine?
GATIFLOXACIN (ga ti FLOKS a sin) is an quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial eye infections.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-contact lens wearer
-an unusual or allergic reaction to gatifloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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This medicine is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after each use. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to anything, even your eye or fingertips. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your finger to form a pouch. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without telling your doctor or health care professional.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.
If your eyes are more sensitive to light, wear sunglasses.
Do not wear contact lenses while you have any signs or symptoms of an eye infection. Ask your doctor or health care professional when you can start wearing your lenses again.
Stop using this medicine immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional immediately:
-burning, stinging, or itching of the eyes or eyelids
-redness, blistering, swelling, or pain
-swollen eyelids
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-change in taste
-dry eyes
-headache
-problems with vision
-red eyes
-tearing
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from freezing. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Compatible - This drug is generally safe to take by nursing mothers.
