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Proper Use
To use gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution (eye drops):
- First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
- If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eyes properly, use another drop.
- To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
To help clear up your eye infection completely, keep using ophthalmic gatifloxacin for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. If you stop using this medicine to soon your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For ophthalmic solution dosage form:
- For bacterial conjunctivitis:
- Adults and children 1 year of age and older—Days 1 and 2: Put one drop in the affected eye(s) every two hours while awake. Do not put drops in more than 8 times a day. Days 3 through 7: Put one drop in the affected eye(s) every 4 hours while awake. Do not put drops in more than 4 times a day.
- Infants and children up to 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For bacterial conjunctivitis:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
