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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using 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.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gatifloxacin ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether gatifloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use gatifloxacin eye drops in a child younger than 1 year old.

How should I use gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may need to use the eye drops every 2 hours for the first couple of days, and then every 4 hours for the rest of your treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.

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.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

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