Gatifloxacin

Q: How should I use Gatifloxacin eye drops?

Wash your hands before using Gatifloxacin eye drops , Tilt your head so that you are facing the ceiling, pull down the lower eyelid, and squeeze gently , Your doctor based on your condition will prescribe the number of drops , After pressing the droplet, close the eye with your finger. Apply gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes , Then you can remove your finger and open the eye , Do not wear contact lenses, unless advised by your doctor , This medicine should not be given to children aged less than one year

Molecule Description

Gatifloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as ‘Fluoroquinolones’ and

is available as tablets, injections, and eye drops.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Gatifloxacin

It is used in the treatment of bacterial infections of the lungs, sinuses (cavities of the nose), throat, skin and soft tissue infections, and the urinary tract. Soft tissues include muscle, fat, tend...
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This medicine is useful in particular sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea
Gatifloxacin is also used as a part of combination treatment with at least three other medicines to treat tuberculosis

Contraindications of Gatifloxacin

When should one not use Gatifloxacin

If you are allergic to this medicine or any other ingredient of this medicine
If you are allergic to quinolones

Side effects of Gatifloxacin

Common side effects of this drug are:

Feeling sick (nausea), headache, reduced hunger, loose motions, stomach pain
Dizziness and light-headedness, restless or confused
Sleep problems
Vaginal discharge or itching
Fast, pounding (palpitations) and irregular heartbeats, fainting
Fits, tingling, and numbness
Burning pain, severe loose motions, fever, dark urine
Yellowing of eyes (jaundice)
Joint swelling and pains, skin rashes

Precautions and Warnings of Gatifloxacin

Pregnancy

Can I take Gatifloxacin during pregnancy?

Enough data is not available. Gatifloxacin has the potential to harm the baby and is recommended to be used during pregnancy only if alternatives are not available.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Gatifloxacin while breastfeeding?

It is unknown if Gatifloxacin is secreted in breast milk, and it is best advised to avoid this medicine while breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Gatifloxacin?

Gatifloxacin can cause dizziness, blurring of your vision for a short time. Be cautious, and do not drive until you feel well.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Gatifloxacin?

Alcohol can delay your recovery from infections, and it is advised to limit your consumption of alcohol (to occasional drinking) while taking Gatifloxacin.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have a history of abnormal heart rhythms (you or anyone in your family)
You have any other heart diseases
You have kidney or liver diseases
You have low blood potassium levels
You have seizure disorders

Mode of Action of Gatifloxacin

How Does It Work?

Gatifloxacin works by blocking the action of enzymes that are required for the replication of the bacterial genetic material (DNA) and thus kills the bacteria.

Interactions of Gatifloxacin

Interactions with other medicines

Medicines used to treat heart rhythm disorders (Quinidine, Disopyramide, Bretylium, Procainamide, Amiodarone, Sotalol)
Antacids (used to reduce stomach acids) or vitamins and minerals containing aluminum, magnesium, or zinc
Medicines used to treat depression and psychiatric disorders (Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Imipramine, Nortriptyline, Doxepine, Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine, Perphenazine, Mesoridazine, Thioridazine)
Didanosine (used to treat HIV/ AIDS), Cisapride (to cause stomach emptying)
Erythromycin (antibiotic), blood thinning agents (Warfarin)
Probenecid (used to treat gout) and pain killers

Interactions with food items

Gatifloxacin does not interact with food and can be taken with or without meals.

Dietary Restrictions of Gatifloxacin

Drink plenty of water.

Dosage of Gatifloxacin

Overdose

Unintentional overdose may not be harmful. If you experience any symptoms such as slow breathing, decreased activity, tremors or convulsions, etc. consult your doctor.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is close. Do not take higher or double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there anything else I should know before taking Gatifloxacin?

Inform your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of abnormal heart rhythm disorders
Gatifloxacin increases the sensitivity of your skin to light. Hence you are advised to wear protective clothing, keep away from direct sunlight and use sunscreen lotions
Gatifloxacin is not a medicine for common cold or flu or any other diseases caused by viruses
Though symptoms may be similar, this medicine has to be used for bacterial infections only, under medical supervision
This medicine should not be given in children and adolescents less than 18 years of age and caution is advised while using Gatifloxacin in elderly patients

Q: How should I use Gatifloxacin eye drops?

Wash your hands before using Gatifloxacin eye drops
Tilt your head so that you are facing the ceiling, pull down the lower eyelid, and squeeze gently
Your doctor based on your condition will prescribe the number of drops
After pressing the droplet, close the eye with your finger. Apply gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes
Then you can remove your finger and open the eye
Do not wear contact lenses, unless advised by your doctor
This medicine should not be given to children aged less than one year

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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