Gatifloxacin: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common eye infection. To treat this condition, the doctor may prescribe the patient to use topical antibiotics such as Gatifloxacin eye drops. So what does Gatifloxacin do?

1. What are the effects of Gatifloxacin?

Gatifloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial eye infections (such as conjunctivitis). What does Gatifloxacin do? In fact, the drug Gatifloxacin only works when the eye is attacked by bacteria and will not be effective against eye infections caused by other agents such as viruses or fungi. Unnecessary use or abuse of any antibiotic can lead to a decrease in its effectiveness.

2. How to use Gatifloxacin eye drops

Gatifloxacin medicine made in the form of eye drops will bring the best effect when used exactly as indicated in dosage and duration of use. Stopping Gatifloxacin too soon can cause the eye infection to return.
Steps to use Gatifloxacin eye drops:
First of all, the patient should wash his or her hands before instilling Gatifloxacin. To limit contamination, do not allow the tip of the Gatifloxacin dropper to touch any surface; The patient tilts his head back, looks up, and pulls the lower eyelid down to form a bag to prepare for instillation of Gatifloxacin; Then place the Gatifloxacin dropper directly on the eye and instill the correct amount of medicine prescribed by the doctor; After instilling Gatifloxacin, the patient should look down and gently close their eyes for 1 to 2 minutes; Finally, place a finger in the corner of your eye near your nose and press gently. This will prevent Gatifloxacin from leaking out and the patient should try not to blink, not rub his eyes, and take care not to wash the dropper after use. If you are using other eye drops concurrently, the patient should wait at least 5 minutes after using Gatifloxacin before instilling other medications. In addition, patients should not wear contact lenses while using Gatifloxacin. Inform the doctor if the patient's condition does not improve after 7 days of using Gatifloxacin.

3. Gatifloxacin Side Effects

Some common side effects of Gatifloxacin include:
Blurred vision; Weep ; Headache; Eye irritation/pain/dry/redness; Unpleasant taste in the mouth. If any of the effects of Gatifloxacin persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. Some serious side effects of Gatifloxacin should be reported to the doctor as soon as possible, including:
Persistent red eyes; Swollen eyes or eyelids. Long-term or repeated use of Gatifloxacin may lead to some new eye infections. Therefore, patients should not use Gatifloxacin for longer than prescribed, and contact their doctor immediately if they notice new or more serious symptoms of infection.
A very serious allergic reaction to Gatifloxacin is relatively rare. However, patients should seek more information from their doctor or pharmacist to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction to Gatifloxacin.

4. Some notes when using Gatifloxacin

Before using Gatifloxacin eye drops, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had a previous allergy to the drug and its ingredients or to other quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin) and any other allergic condition. Also, before using Gatifloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist all your medical history.

After instilling Gatifloxacin, the patient's vision may be temporarily blurred. Therefore, do not drive, use machinery, or perform any activity that requires clear vision until you are certain you can do such activities safely while taking Gatifloxacin.
During pregnancy, Gatifloxacin should be used only when clearly needed after discussing the risks and benefits with the treating physician. There are no studies on whether the use of Gatifloxacin can affect breast milk, so it is better to consult your doctor before giving it to a nursing mother.
Drug interactions can change the way Gatifloxacin works or increase the risk of serious side effects, so it's important to make a list of all the products you're taking (including prescription, nonprescription and herbal products) then share this list with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while taking Gatifloxacin without your doctor's approval.
Note that Gatifloxacin can be harmful if swallowed by the patient. Gatifloxacin is only used to treat the current medical condition, not to use Gatifloxacin to prevent other infections in the future.
If you miss a dose, take Gatifloxacin as soon as you remember, however if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take it as usual, do not double the dose.
Store Gatifloxacin at room temperature, away from light and moisture, do not freeze, do not put the medicine in the bathroom. Discard Gatifloxacin solution immediately if the drug has changed color, becomes cloudy, or if particles appear. Gatifloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial eye infections. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment and avoid overuse of antibiotics, patients need to take the medicine according to the prescription and strictly follow the instructions of the doctor or pharmacist.
Reference source: webmd.com