Gatiflox ES

Introduction
Gatiflox ES is an antibiotic, used in the treatment of bacterial infections of the eye. It relieves the symptoms of the infection by stopping the further growth of the causative microorganisms. Gatiflox ES is for external use only. Take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Hold the dropper close to the eye without touching it. Gently squeeze the dropper and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid. Wipe off extra liquid. Avoid skipping any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It may cause burning sensation in the eyes immediately following application. However, these side effects are temporary and usually subside on their own. Inform your doctor if they persist for a longer duration. It may cause short term blurring of vision when first used. Use caution before driving or using machines. Do not wear contact lenses while using it.

_
Uses of Gatiflox ES
Bacterial eye infections
Side effects of Gatiflox ES
Common
Burning sensation
How to use Gatiflox ES
This medicine is for external use only. Take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Hold the dropper close to the eye without touching it. Gently squeeze the dropper and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid. Wipe off extra liquid.
How Gatiflox ES works
Gatiflox ES is an antibiotic. It treats bacterial eye infections by preventing the bacteria from dividing and repairing. It does so stopping the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase.
What if you forget to take Gatiflox ES?
If you miss a dose of Gatiflox ES, take 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 schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick Tips
Gatiflox ES helps treat bacterial infections of the eye.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Apply pressure on the corner of the eye (close to the nose) for about 1 minute, immediately after instilling the medication.
Do not touch the tip to any surface, or to your eye, to avoid contamination.
Wait for at least 5-10 minutes before delivering the next medication in the same eye to avoid dilution.
It may cause short term blurring of vision when first used. Use caution before driving or using machines.
Do not wear contact lenses until your infection clears up.
Make sure to use within 4 weeks of opening the bottle.
Brief Description
Indication
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Adult Dose
Ophthalmic Bacterial conjunctivitis Adult: As 0.3% soln: Instill 1 drop 2 hrly into affected eye(s) while awake (up to 8 times daily) for the 1st 2 days then reduce to 1 drop 4 times daily while awake for the next 5 days.

_
Child Dose
Ophthalmic Bacterial conjunctivitis Child: >1 yr: As 0.3% soln: Instill 1 drop 2 hrly into affected eye(s) while awake (up to 8 times daily) for the 1st 2 days then reduce to 1 drop 4 times daily while awake for the next 5 days.

_
Contraindication
Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Gatifloxacin, to other quinolones, or to any of the components in this medication. Eye drops should not be injected subconjunctivally, nor should it be introduced directly into the anterior chamber of the eye.
Mode of Action
Gatifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial which acts by inhibiting DNA synthesis in susceptible organisms via inhibition of both DNA gyrase (essential for bacterial reproduction) and topoisomerase IV (essential during bacterial cell division).
Precaution
Patients should be advised not to wear contact lenses if they have signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis. Avoid contaminating the applicator tip with material from the eye, fingers or other source.
Side Effect
1-10% Conjunctival irritation (5-10%),Incr. lacrimation (5-10%),Keratitis (5-10%),Papillary conjunctivitis (5-10%),Conjunctival hemorrhage (1-4%),Chemosis (1-4%),Dry eye (1-4%),Eye discharge (1-4%),Eye irritation (1-4%),Eye pain (1-4%),Eyelid swelling (1-4%),Red eye (1-4%),Visual acuity decr (1-4%),Taste disturbance (1-4%)

_
Interaction
Additive effect w/ drugs that prolong QT interval e.g. antiarrhythmic agents (amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol), arsenic trioxide, cisapride, chlorpromazine, droperidol, mefloquine, dolasetron, mesoridazine, moxifloxacin, pimozide, tacrolimus, pentamidine, thioridazine, ziprasidone. Increased risk of blood glucose disturbances w/ drugs that alter blood glucose concentrations (e.g. antidiabetics). Systemic admin may elevate plasma concentrations of theophylline, interfere caffeine metabolism, enhance effects of oral anticoagulant (warfarin and its derivatives), and transient elevations in serum creatinine w/ ciclosporin.