Gatsina

Indications

Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic. It is mainly used as eye drops to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis (red, sticky eye). It is also combined with a steroid such as Dexamethasone or Loteprednol to treat eye infection with inflammation, or to prevent infection and swelling after eye surgery.

How It Works

It stops bacteria from copying their genetic material (DNA), so they cannot multiply and are killed. It does not work against viral or fungal infections.

Dosage and Administration

Bacterial conjunctivitis, adults and children over 1 year: usually 1 drop in the affected eye every 2 hours while awake on the first day (up to 8 times), then 2 to 4 times a day until day 7, or as prescribed. Combination drops with a steroid and use after surgery: as prescribed. Wash your hands before use, do not let the dropper tip touch the eye, and wait at least 5 minutes before using another eye medicine. Complete the full course. Tablet forms have been withdrawn in many countries because of serious blood sugar changes; take them only if a doctor prescribes them.

Interactions

Eye drops have few known interactions. If you use other eye drops or ointments, leave at least 5 minutes between them.

Contraindications

Allergy to gatifloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics (such as Ciprofloxacin or Moxifloxacin) or any ingredient. Combination drops with a steroid should not be used in viral (for example herpes), fungal or tuberculous eye infections.

Side Effects

Common: mild eye irritation, stinging, watering, redness and a bitter taste. Get urgent medical help for signs of allergy (rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), or if eye pain, redness or blurred vision gets worse instead of better.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Very little of the drop enters the blood, but information in pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited. Use only if the doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not wear contact lenses while the eye is infected. Using it for too long can allow resistant germs or fungus to grow. If drops contain a steroid, long use can raise eye pressure and cause cataract, so use them only for the time prescribed. See a doctor if there is no improvement in 2 to 3 days.

Overdose

Extra drops in the eye are unlikely to cause harm; rinse with clean water. If the drops are swallowed, especially by a child, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Quinolone (fluoroquinolone) antibiotic, ophthalmic.

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light, and do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Throw away 4 weeks after opening.