Gatifloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones, antibiotics which function by fighting bacteria that invade the body. Currently, Gatifloxacin is available as an opthalmic solution for the treatment of infections that affect eye, like bacterial conjunctivitis or pinkeye.
Pinkeye is a common eye infection that affects the conjunctiva, and is characterized by a sticky discharge, redness and swelling of the affected area, excessive tear production, and a gritty sensation within the eye area. While Gatifloxacin opthalmic solution can remedy eye infections caused by bacteria, it will not treat infections that are viral in origin.
Bristol-Myers Squibb initially brought Gatifloxacin to the market under the brand name Tequin, a drug indicated for the management of respiratory tract infections. However, in 2006, some findings were published citing the dangerous side effects caused by Tequin, which included hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, the key symptoms of diabetes. Bristol-Myers Squibb ceased all manufacture and distribution of Tequin, and Gatifloxacin is now only available in the United States as an antibiotic eye drop medication distributed by Allergan under the brand name, Zymar.
Patients who are allergic to Gatifloxacin, or any of its ingredients, or to any kind of fluroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin or norfloxacin, should not use Gatifloxacin.
The drug is also counterindicated for patients less than a year old, and although its effects on the fetus have not yet been studied thoroughly, patients who are pregnant or become pregnant during treatment should inform their doctor immediately. This is also true for breastfeeding mothers, as Gatifloxacin can be secreted into breast milk.
Patients who have a simultaneous viral or fungal eye infection should not use Gatifloxacin, as this medication is only indicated for bacterial infections. Patients who wear contact lenses should remove them before applying Gatifloxacin, and consult their doctor about the proper time to reinsert them.
Gatifloxacin can cause momentary blurriness of vision, and driving a vehicle or other actions requiring clear eyesight should not be performed until the patient's vision clears sufficiently after using Gatifloxacin. Patients are also advised to consult their doctor about the simultaneous use of any other eye drop solution or medication.
Apart from blurred vision and watery eyes, Gatifloxacin can cause eye sensitivity. The use of sunglasses can help patients who find that their eyes are extra sensitive to light. Patients may also experience headaches, eye swelling, or dry, irritated and stinging eyes.
While it is rare that a patient experiences serious side effects from the use of Gatifloxacin, if they develop signs of a skin allergy like rashes, blistering, itching or hives, they should immediately cease taking Gatifloxacin and see their doctor as soon as possible. Other serious side effects like swelling of the face and throat, shortness of breath or being unable to breathe will necessitate emergency medical attention.
Prolonged use of Gatifloxacin may cause a repeat infection, and result in the development of germs that have become resistant to this type of therapy. Periodic medical examination will determine if this has occurred.
Gatifloxacin is available in a 3 mg/ml pale yellow opthalmic solution under the brand name, Zymar. It is administered via an eyedropper every two hours for two days, and subsequently four times a day for five days until the bacterial infection clears up.
Gatifloxacin has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of gatifloxacin is C19H22FN3O4
• Chemical IUPAC Name is 1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-8-methoxy-7-(3-methylpiperazin-1-yl)- 4-oxo-quinoline-3-carboxylicacid
• Molecular weight is 375.394 g/mol
• Gatifloxacin available : 200mg tablets, 400mg tablets
Brand name(s): Tequin, Zymar
Review published on: 11 May 2008
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