Why is this medication prescribed?

Zymar is a brand name for gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution, an antibiotic eye drop. It is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial eye infections. Gatifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

Conditions for which Zymar may be prescribed include bacterial conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids).

How should this medicine be used?

Here are general guidelines on how Zymar should be used:

• Dosage: The usual dosage is one or two drops in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours for the first 2 days and then every 4 hours for the next 5 days.
• Administration: Wash your hands before using the eye drops. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze out the prescribed number of drops. Close your eye and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining into the tear duct.
• Avoid Contamination: Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
• Complete Course: Use the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Stopping the medication too soon may allow the bacteria to continue growing.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and complete the entire course of treatment. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, or if your symptoms do not improve, contact your healthcare provider.

As with any medication, inform your doctor about any other medications or medical conditions you have to ensure there are no potential interactions or contraindications. Always use prescription medications only as directed by your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

Zymar (gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution) is specifically designed for the treatment of bacterial eye infections, particularly bacterial conjunctivitis. It is not intended for other uses. Antibiotics like gatifloxacin work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, and they are not effective against viral or fungal infections.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions, it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consider the following:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to gatifloxacin or any other fluoroquinolone antibiotics. If you have a known allergy, your healthcare provider may need to prescribe an alternative medication.
• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before applying Zymar, and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Contact lenses can absorb the medication, reducing its effectiveness.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Zymar with your healthcare provider. The potential risks to the unborn child or nursing infant should be considered.
• Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbal supplements. Certain medications may interact with gatifloxacin.
• Duration of Use: Use Zymar for the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms improve before completing the medication. Stopping the medication too soon can lead to incomplete eradication of the bacteria, potentially causing a recurrence of the infection.
• Resistant Bacteria: Prolonged or repeated use of Zymar may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible bacteria, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, contact your doctor.
• Avoiding Contamination: Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Monitoring for Side Effects: If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, such as itching, redness, swelling, or persistent eye discomfort, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Always use Zymar exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not share the medication with others. If you have any concerns or questions about your treatment, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are generally no specific dietary restrictions associated with the use of Zymar. However, it’s always a good idea to follow a healthy and balanced diet to support overall well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Zymar, follow these general guidelines:

• Missed Dose: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• Timing of the Next Dose: If it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
• Double Dosing: Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Like any medication, Zymar (gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution) can cause side effects. Common side effects are usually mild and may include:

• Mild burning or stinging in the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Dry or itchy eyes
• Redness of the eyes
• Watery eyes

These side effects are often temporary and should improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.

However, some side effects can be more serious. If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe or persistent eye pain
• Swelling or redness of the eyes
• Vision changes or disturbances
• Sensitivity to light
• Signs of a new eye infection or worsening of the existing infection

While rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to Zymar. Seek emergency medical attention if you observe symptoms such as:

• Severe itching or rash
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing

It’s important to report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, if you have a history of allergic reactions to medications, make sure to inform your doctor before starting treatment with Zymar.

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and individual reactions can vary. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any concerns or adverse effects promptly for appropriate guidance.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Zymar:

• Storage:
  • Store Zymar at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
  • Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of unused or expired Zymar in accordance with local regulations.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include excessive eye irritation or redness.

What other information should I know?

• Follow Instructions: Use Zymar exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not alter the dosage or stop the medication without consulting your doctor.
• Medical Follow-up: Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
• Inform Healthcare Provider: Inform your healthcare provider of any unusual or severe side effects promptly.
• Regular Eye Exams: If you wear contact lenses, your doctor may recommend removing them before using Zymar. Regular eye exams are important to monitor eye health.
• Avoid Contamination: Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
• Informing Other Healthcare Providers: If you are undergoing surgery or any dental procedures, inform the surgeon or dentist about your use of Zymar.
• Allergic Reactions: Be vigilant for signs of an allergic reaction and seek medical attention if any occur.
• Patient Information Leaflet: Read the patient information leaflet provided with the medication for additional details and instructions.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and report any concerns or adverse effects promptly. If you have questions about your medication, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.