Gatifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that fights bacteria.

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

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

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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 tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

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

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

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

0.3% solution:
-Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times a day.
-Days 3 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a day while awake.

0.5% solution:
-Day 1: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times a day.
-Days 2 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times a day while awake.

Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus, S epidermidis, Streptococcus mitis group, S pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Corynebacterium propinquum, S oralis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

1 year or older:
0.3% solution:
-Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times a day.
-Days 3 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a day while awake.

0.5% solution:
-Day 1: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times a day.
-Days 2 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times a day while awake.

Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible strains of S aureus, S epidermidis, S mitis group, S pneumoniae, H influenzae, C propinquum, S oralis

You should not use gatifloxacin ophthalmic if you allergic to gatifloxacin or similar medicines, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and others.

Before you use gatifloxacin ophthalmic, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether gatifloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

An overdose of gatifloxacin ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not allow the medication to freeze.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Talk to your doctor about drinking coffee or other beverages containing caffeine while you are taking this medication.

You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of an eye infection.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with gatifloxacin ophthalmic unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Gatifloxacin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of a new infection); or

• any new or worsening eye problems.

Common side effects of gatifloxacin ophthalmic may include:

• mild itching, burning, redness, or irritation;

• watery eyes; or

• puffy eyelids.

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.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the gatifloxacin eye drops, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.