gatifloxacin

gatifloxacin /gat·i·flox·a·cin/ (gat?i-flok´sah-sin) a fluoroquinoloneantibacterial effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

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gatifloxacin

a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with activity against anaerobic bacteria.

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gatifloxacin

Zymar

Pharmacologic class: Fluoroquinolone

Therapeutic class: Anti-infective

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (enzyme involved in bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair) in susceptible gram-negative and gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria

Availability

Ophthalmic solution: 0.3% (5 ml in 8-ml bottle with dropper)

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of Corynebacterium propinquum, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae

Adults and children ages 1 and older: One drop every 2 hours in affected eye(s) while awake, up to eight times daily on days 1 and 2; then one drop up to four times daily while awake on days 3 to 7

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug, its components, or other quinolones

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children younger than age 1.

Administration

• Don't inject subconjunctivally.
• Don't administer directly into anterior chamber of eye.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
Ophthalmic	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache

EENT: reduced visual acuity, conjunctival irritation or hemorrhage, increased lacrimation, keratitis, papillary conjunctivitis, chemosis, dry eye, eye discharge, eye irritation or redness, eye pain, eyelid edema

Other: abnormal taste, superinfection (with prolonged use), allergic reaction

Interactions

None

Patient monitoring

☞ Stop drug and immediately report signs or symptoms of allergic reaction, including rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and trouble breathing.

Patient teaching

• Teach patient how to use eyedrops. Caution him not to let dropper tip touch eye, finger, or other surfaces.
• If patient is also using other types of eyedrops, instruct him to wait at least 5 minutes after administering gatifloxacin before applying them.
☞ Instruct patient to stop taking drug and contact prescriber immediately if rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing occurs.
• Advise patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until drug effects are known.
• Caution patient with bacterial conjunctivitis not to wear contact lenses.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions.