Side Effects of Gatifloxacin
Gatifloxacin eye drops, which Allergan sells under the brand name Zymar, treat conjunctivitis caused by bacterial infection. The medication reduces the burning, itching, swelling and mucus-like discharge associated with conjunctivitis, which is also known as pink eye. Patients who use gatifloxacin eye drops can experience side effects that mirror the symptoms of pink eye.
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Common Side Effects
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According to the prescribing information for gatifloxacin eye drops, between 5 percent and 10 percent of patients who used the medication experienced irritation of the outer lining of the eye, increased tearing, further swelling and mucus production in the eye (i.e., papillary conjunctivitis) and swelling of the cornea (keratitis) as side effects.
Other Side Effects
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Between 1 percent and 4 percent of patients using gatifloxacin have experienced bleeding under the outer lining of the eye, dry eye, swelling of the eyelids, headaches, changed taste sensation and temporary decreases in visual acuity.
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Warnings
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Patients should not wear contact lenses while suffering from conjunctivitis or while using gatifloxacin eye drops, as wearing contact lens will exacerbate symptoms and raise the risk for developing papillary conjunctivitis. If a rash develops while a patient is using gatifloxacin eye drops, the patient should discontinue treatment and speak a doctor. A rash can indicate an allergic reaction to gatifloxacin.
Contraindication
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Patients who have allergies to antibiotics classified as quinolones cannot use gatifloxacin. Commonly prescribed quinolones include ciprofloxacin (e.g., Cipro from Bayer Healthcare), levofloxacin (e.g., Levaquin from Ortho McNeil Janssen) and moxifloxacin (e.g., Avelox from Bayer Healthcare).
Safe Use
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Patients should not touch the tip of the gatifloxacin eye drop bottle with their fingers or eyes. Touching the tip can transfer bacteria, viruses or fungus into the gatifloxacin solution, which could in turn lead to reinfection of treated eyes.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Cayman Islands Government
