What Are Zymar Eye Drops?
Zymar is a clear, pale yellow eye drop also known as gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution, according to DailyMed. It is a treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the condition bacterial conjunctivitis, a type of eye infection. In the United States, Zymar eye drops are legally available only by prescription.
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How They Work
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Zymar eye drops need to be placed directly into the eye while not allowing the applicator tip itself to touch the eye, skin or any other surface, according to DailyMed. The recommended dosage is one eye drop every two hours on the first two days of treatment, then one Zymar drop up to four times a day on days three through seven.
Common Side Effects
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Side effects and even allergic reaction is possible with Zymar eye drops just like with any other medication. Irritation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane covering the front of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid, is a side effect reported among 5 to 10 percent of Zymar patients, according to DailyMed. The same percentage of patients report excessive crying and an inflammation of the cornea, known as keratitis.
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Less Common Side Effects
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Less common side effects with Zymar affect as few as 1 percent of patients. They include eye pain, dry eye, eye irritation, eye discharge, eyelid edema or swelling, headache, vision problems, headache and taste disturbances, according to DailyMed. Hemorrhage of the conjunctiva is also possible, as is a swelling of the iris known as chemosis.
Warnings
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Using Zymar too often can cause overgrowth of bacteria and organisms known as fungi, according to DailyMed. A pregnant women should only use Zymar during her pregnancy if her bacterial conjunctivitis is serious enough to pose potential risk to the fetus. Nursing women and children under a year old are also advised not to use Zymar unless absolutely necessary.
Cost
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Zymar is available as a solution containing 0.3 percent of gatifloxacin in a 5-mL bottle as of 2009. Most insurance companies cover at least part of a Zymar prescription, but copay amounts depend upon the individual's health plan. One bottle of Zymar costs about $78, and the approximate cost for three bottles is $213. Patient assistance programs are available as of 2009 for uninsured people who meet low-income guidelines.
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