zymaxid

Zymaxid (gatifloxacin) is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Gatifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Zymaxid is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.

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

Important information

You should not use Zymaxid if you allergic to gatifloxacin.

Before using Zymaxid, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to gatifloxacin (Tequin) or similar medications such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

Avoid wearing contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye infection you are treating. Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not allow the Zymaxid dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe swelling, burning, redness, or discomfort, eye pain or vision changes, signs of new eye infection (drainage, crusting, or oozing), or the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.

Before using Zymaxid

You should not use Zymaxid if you allergic to gatifloxacin.

Before using Zymaxid, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to gatifloxacin (Tequin) or similar medications such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Zymaxid will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Zymaxid. It is not known whether gatifloxacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use Zymaxid eye drops in a child younger than 1 year old without medical advice.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I use Zymaxid?

Use Zymaxid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

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 Zymaxid 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 as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.

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

• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.

• Also wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.

Do not allow the Zymaxid dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

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

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Zymaxid 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.

What should I avoid?

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

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

Zymaxid side effects

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

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe swelling, burning, redness, or discomfort in or around your eye;

• eye pain, vision changes, increased sensitivity of your eyes to light;

• signs of new infection, such as drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids; or

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.

Less serious Zymaxid side effects may include:

• mild itching, burning, redness, or irritation;

• watery eyes;

• puffy eyelids;

• headache; or

• unpleasant taste in your mouth after using the drops.

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.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Zymaxid?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on Zymaxid used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.