Zymar (Gatifloxacin)
Zymar Eye Drops (Gatifloxacin) Dosage and Side Effects
ZYMAR is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial eye infections. ZYMAR kills many kinds of bacteria that can cause infections of the eye and is ineffective against viruses.
Warnings and Precautions
Before using ZYMAR you should discuss with your doctor the following:
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If you have allergies to any medications.
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If you wear contact lenses.
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If you are using any other eye drops.
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If you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
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If your are breast-feeding or intend to breast-feed
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- eye swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of a new infection); or
- any new or worsening eye problems.
Common side effects may include:
- mild itching, burning, redness, or irritation;
- watery eyes; or
- puffy eyelids.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Interactions with this medication
You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of an eye infection.
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with ZYMAR unless your doctor tells you to.
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ZYMAR used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Proper Use of this medication
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ZYMAR was prescribed by your doctor to treat your specific medical problem and is for your use only. Do not share it with others.
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The usual dose of ZYMAR is: On days 1 and 2, instill one drop every two hours in the affected eye(s) while awake, up to 8 times daily. On days 3 to 7, instill one drop four times daily while awake. Doses should be evenly spaced throughout the day.
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Your doctor may have told you to use ZYMAR in a different way to that recommended in this leaflet. If so, follow your doctor's instructions about when and how to use the eye drops. Read the directions on your prescription label carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything that you do not understand.
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Do not wear contact lenses when you are suffering bacterial conjunctivitis.
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Do not change the dosage of the drug without consulting your physician. If you stop treatment contact your physician immediately.
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Do not start taking any other ophthalmic medicines unless you have discussed the matter with your physician.
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If you develop any eye irritation or any new eye problems such as dryness of the eye, swelling or redness of the eyelid, tearing, or decreased vision, contact your physician immediately.
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If you suspect that ZYMAR is causing an allergic reaction, i.e. itchy skin or increased inflammation, stop its use and contact your physician as soon as possible.
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You must not use the bottle if the tamper-proof seal on the bottle neck is broken before you first use it.
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Follow the following steps to help you use ZYMAR properly:
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Wash your hands. Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.
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Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
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Turn the bottle upside down and squeeze it gently to release one drop into each eye that needs treatment.
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Let go of the lower lid, and close your eye for 30 seconds.
If a drop misses your eye, try again.
To help prevent infections, do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye or anything else. Put the cap back on and close the bottle immediately after you have used it.
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Missed Doses:
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If you forget to apply your eye drops at your normal time, simply apply them as soon as you remember. Then go back to the original schedule as directed by your doctor. Don't try to catch up on missed drops by applying more than one dose at a time.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
