home > drugs a-z list > zymar (gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution) drug center > zymar (gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Zymar

Generic Name: gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Pronunciation: GAT i FLOX a sin off THAL mik)

• What is gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?
• What are the possible side effects of gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?
• What is the most important information I should know about gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?
• How should I use gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zymar)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zymar)?
• What should I avoid while using gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?
• What other drugs will affect gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?

Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Gatifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these 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 a serious side effect such as:

• severe swelling, burning, redness, or discomfort in or around your eye;
• eye pain, vision changes, increased sensitivity of your eyes to light;
• signs of new infection, such as drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild itching, burning, redness, or irritation;
• watery eyes;
• puffy eyelids;
• headache;
• unpleasant taste in your mouth after using the drops.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?

You should not use this medication if you allergic to gatifloxacin

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to gatifloxacin (Tequin) or similar medications such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

Avoid wearing contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye infection you are treating. Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe swelling, burning, redness, or discomfort, eye pain or vision changes, signs of new eye infection (drainage, crusting, or oozing), or the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.