Gatifloxacin Prednisolone Eye Drops

Gatifloxacin-prednisolone ophthalmic is a prescription medication for treating inflammatory and bacterial infections of the eye. Although the drug is not FDA-approved, the available evidence supports its use in alleviating the symptoms of conditions like chemical burns, radiation injury, and physical trauma. The gatifloxacin-prednisolone solution is for external use only.

What is Gatifloxacin Prednisolone Ophthalmic, and How Does It Work?

Gatifloxacin-prednisolone ophthalmic is an eye medication containing two active ingredients. The first ingredient is gatifloxacin, which belongs to a class of drugs known as antibiotics. Prednisolone, the second active component, belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. That means, gatifloxacin-prednisolone is an antibiotic-corticosteroid medication.

The gatifloxacin antibiotic interferes with the synthesis of particular bacterial proteins and disrupts their growth leading to the death of the organisms. Gatifloxacin helps to treat bacterial infections in the eye. On the other hand, prednisolone corticosteroid inhibits the production of certain substances, including prostaglandins, responsible for inflammation and other disease symptoms. Signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, and pain.

Notably, gatifloxacin-prednisolone eye drops decrease discomfort and risk of ocular infection and other inflammatory conditions, especially in postoperative patients.

Indications of Gatifloxacin Prednisolone Eye Drops

The combination antibiotic and steroid medicine, gatifloxacin-prednisolone ophthalmic, is used to treat inflammatory eye conditions such as;

• conjunctivitis,
• uveitis
• chemical burns
• physical trauma and
• radiation injury.

Typically, the medicine is prescribed when the inflammation carries a potential risk of bacterial infection around the eye.

How to Use the Medication

Gatifloxacin-prednisolone ophthalmic is a prescription medicine and should be used according to the doctor’s instructions. Do not apply the drug for longer periods or use different amounts from the recommended.

Before using this drug, read all the medication guides, including the patient information leaflet provided by the pharmacist. Accurately follow the directions on the prescription label when applying the eye drops.

Do not apply gatifloxacin-prednisolone eye drops while wearing contact lenses. The drug contains a preservative that might stain the lenses permanently. For this reason, remove the soft contact lenses before using the medication and re-insert them at least 15 minutes after the application to prevent staining.

When applying gatifloxacin-prednisolone eye drops;

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and running water
• Shake the medication well before every use
• Slightly tilt your head backward and pull down the lower eyelid to create a pocket
• Hold the dropper above the eye and instill a drop(s) into the created pocket. Close your eyes for around 2 minutes for the medication to spread well. Do not use more drops than prescribed.
• Repeat the process for the other eye if directed by the doctor.

Precaution:  Avoid placing the dropper directly on the eye or touching the tip, as this might contaminate the dropper and lead to potentially serious vision problems.

Use this medication regularly as directed by the doctor. Symptoms should begin improving after two days. Otherwise, inform the provider.

Applying gatifloxacin-prednisolone eye drops for more than 10 days requires vision tests to evaluate for pressure changes in the eye. The medication is available for external use only.

The medicine should be stored at room temperature, out of reach of children, and away from light, moisture, and heat.

Dosage

Use the amount prescribed by the doctor, usually 1-2 drops instilled in the lower lid pocket every 2 hours in the first two days. The administration is continued for the directed days at the dose of 1-2 drops every 4-6 hours.

The frequency of use depends on the clinical signs and symptoms. Discontinuation is done gradually under the guidance of the healthcare provider.

Possible Side Effects

The doctor prescribes this medication because of the expected benefits. However, like other drugs, unwanted effects might occur even if using the gatifloxacin-prednisolone ophthalmic in the correct amounts. While not everyone using the drug experiences these effects, those that commonly occur include;

• blurry vision
• mild eye irritation
• burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• teary or dry eyes
• droopy and puffy eyelids
• itchiness or rash around the eye
• foreign body sensation in the eye
• reddening of the eye
• headache

The above side effects are often mild and might not require discontinuation of gatifloxacin-prednisolone use. If they persist or worsen, inform the doctor.

On the other hand, some side effects are rare but severe. If they occur, get emergency medical help by calling the doctor or an emergency department. These severe side effects of gatifloxacin-prednisolone ophthalmic include;

• signs of an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) such as rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue.
• eye pain with tunnel vision or seeing halos around lights
• blisters or tiny colored patches on the eye surface
• signs of eye infection, such as redness, pain, swelling, and crusting.

Note, a subject might experience unwanted effects besides those listed above. In case of such events, consult the healthcare provider promptly or report the symptoms to the relevant body. The FDA toll line reporting drug side effects is 1-800-FDA-1088. 

Precautions and Warnings

• Do not use gatifloxacin-prednisolone eye drops if allergic to any of its components, including the excipients. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist about any allergies before taking this drug.
• Do not wear contact lenses when using the medication—especially when the signs of bacterial eye infection, such as discharge and crusting, are still present.
• Avoid engaging in hazardous activities or driving when using the medication, as it can cause blurry vision and impair reaction to danger.
• This medication is prescription-only. Thus, do not share it with another person even if they have similar symptoms.
• Before using the medication, inform the doctor of any significant medical conditions of the eye, including glaucoma and cataracts.
• Prolonged use of gatifloxacin-prednisolone ophthalmic might cause corneal thinning and perforation, especially in those with thin cornea and sclera.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should tell the doctor their status before using this drug.

Interaction with Other Medicines

Drug interactions affect how medicines work and the potential of their side effects. Gatifloxacin-prednisolone ophthalmic interacts with different drugs, including;

• Other quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin
• HIV medications like cobicistat
• Antiviral medicines like ritonavir

Besides drug-drug interactions, gatifloxacin-prednisolone suspension can influence conditions such as fungal, viral, parasitic, and tuberculous infections. For instance, using the drug can worsen herpes infections and cause cornea damage or closed-angle glaucoma.

Contraindications

Gatifloxacin-prednisolone eye drops are contraindicated in individuals allergic to steroids and quinolone antibiotics. Those with active purulent infection also should not use this medication.

Alternatives to Gatifloxacin Prednisolone Eye Drops

• Prednisolone eye drops in combination with gentamicin.
• Gatifloxacin ophthalmic for treating bacterial eye infections without pre-existing inflammation

Buying Gatifloxacin Prednisolone Eye Drops Online

Kiwi Drug offers affordable access to all medications to people on all continents. Subject to industry regulations, Kiwi uses professional pharmacists to ensure the clients receive the best services and maintain optimum quality of life. You will need a doctor’s prescription to buy gatifloxacin prednisolone ophthalmic. That said, Kiwi’s unique online doctor service also allows you to get a prescription after a certified online doctor reviews your medical profile. Thus, purchasing gatifloxacin-prednisolone eye drops from Kiwi Drug, with or without a prescription, is straightforward and quick. It involves:

• Signing up and adding the product to the cart
• Clicking the “Checkout Now” button
• Answering the questions presented on the next page
• Entering payment details and waiting for your order to arrive