gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic
What is the most important information I should know about gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic?
You should not use this medicine if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex), or if you are allergic to prednisolone, gatifloxacin, or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and others.
What is gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic?
Gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination antibiotic and steroid medicine that is used to treat eye inflammation caused by conditions such as uveitis, eye injury, radiation, chemical burns, or certain other conditions.
This medicine is used when there is a risk of bacterial infection in or around the eye.
Gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic?
You should not use this medicine if:
- you are allergic to gatifloxacin or prednisolone;
- you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex); or
- you are allergic to antibiotics similar to gatifloxacin, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and others.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- glaucoma; or
- cataracts.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Gatifloxacin and prednisolone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.
Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.
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.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.
If you use this medicine for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include watery eyes, itchy eyelids, severe eye pain, redness, swelling, or other irritation.
What should I avoid while taking gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic?
You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of an eye infection.
This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
What are the possible side effects of gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
- blisters or small white/yellow patches on the surface of your eye;
- pain behind your eyes; or
- signs of eye infection --swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.
Common side effects may include:
- mild eye irritation after using the medicine;
- blurred vision;
- eye redness;
- red, puffy, or droopy eyelids;
- dry or watery eyes;
- feeling like something is in your eye;
- headache; or
- skin itching or rash.
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.
What other drugs will affect gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic?
Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other, especially if the eye medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about gatifloxacin and prednisolone ophthalmic.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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