Version July 2025
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Ophthalmic:
Zymar [Canadian product]:
Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake (maximum: 8 times/day).
Days 3 to 7: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) 4 times/day while awake.
Zymaxid:
Day 1: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake (maximum: 8 times/day).
Days 2 to 7: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times/day while awake.
Bacterial keratitis (off-label use): Ophthalmic: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) every 1 hour around the clock until healing begins (usually 48 to 72 hours); dosing frequency is then gradually reduced until the ulcer is completely healed, at which point, treatment can be discontinued (Ref). One suggested tapering regimen is as follows: Days 3 to 6: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) every 2 hours around the clock; Days 7 to 9: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake; Day 9 and on: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) every 6 hours and continue at this frequency until complete healing of ulcer (Ref). Note: For central or severe keratitis, a loading dose of instillation every 5 to 15 minutes for the first 30 to 60 minutes may be considered (Ref).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling. However, dosage adjustment unlikely due to low systemic absorption.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling. However, dosage adjustment unlikely due to low systemic absorption.
Refer to adult dosing.
(For additional information see "Gatifloxacin: Pediatric drug information")
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Children and Adolescents: Ophthalmic: Zymaxid: Day 1: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake (maximum: 8 times/day). Days 2 to 7: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times/day while awake.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, dosage adjustment unlikely due to low systemic absorption.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, dosage adjustment unlikely due to low systemic absorption.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
1% to 10%:
Endocrine & metabolic: Chemosis (1% to 4%)
Gastrointestinal: Dysgeusia (1% to 4%)
Nervous system: Headache (1% to 4%)
Ophthalmic: Conjunctival hemorrhage (1% to 4%), conjunctival irritation (5% to 10%), decreased visual acuity (1% to 4%), dry eye syndrome (1% to 4%), eye discharge (1% to 4%), eye irritation (1% to 4%), eye pain (1% to 4%), eye redness (1% to 4%), eyelid edema (1% to 4%), increased lacrimation (5% to 10%), keratitis (5% to 10%), papillary conjunctivitis (5% to 10%)
Postmarketing:
Dermatologic: Pruritus (including skin rash, urticaria), Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Gastrointestinal: Nausea
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (including anaphylaxis, angioedema)
Ophthalmic: Blepharitis, blurred vision, eye pruritus, swelling of eye (including conjunctival edema, corneal edema)
Respiratory: Dyspnea
Hypersensitivity to gatifloxacin, other quinolones, or any component of the formulation
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, angioedema (including pharyngeal, laryngeal, or facial edema), dyspnea, urticaria, and itching, have been reported (even following a single dose) with topical ophthalmic gatifloxacin. Rare cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome were also reported. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use.
• Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection. If superinfection is suspected, institute appropriate alternative therapy.
Special populations:
• Contact lens wearers: Contact lenses should not be worn during treatment of ophthalmic infections.
Dosage form specific issues:
• Appropriate use: For topical ophthalmic use only. Do not inject ophthalmic solution subconjunctivally or introduce directly into the anterior chamber of the eye (may cause corneal endothelial cell injury).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Ophthalmic:
Zymaxid: 0.5% (2.5 mL) [contains benzalkonium chloride, edetate (edta) disodium]
Generic: 0.5% (2.5 mL)
Yes
Solution (Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic)
0.5% (per mL): $47.26
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Ophthalmic:
Zymar: 0.3% (1 mL, 5 mL) [contains benzalkonium chloride, edetate (edta) disodium]
Generic: 0.3% (5 mL, 10 mL)
For topical ophthalmic use only; not for injection. Avoid touching tip of applicator to eye, fingers, or other surfaces.
For topical ophthalmic use only; avoid touching tip of applicator to eye, fingers, or other surfaces. Apply finger pressure to lacrimal sac during and for 1 to 2 minutes after instillation to decrease risk of absorption and systemic effects.
Conjunctivitis: Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mitis group, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.
Bacterial keratitis
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Chlorprothixene: May increase QTc-prolonging effects of Gatifloxacin. Risk X: Avoid
Systemic concentrations of gatifloxacin following ophthalmic administration are below the limit of quantification. If ophthalmic agents are needed during pregnancy, the minimum effective dose should be used in combination with punctal occlusion for 3 to 5 minutes after application to decrease potential exposure to the fetus (Samples 1988).
It is not known if gatifloxacin is excreted in breast milk. According to the manufacturer, the decision to continue or discontinue breast-feeding during therapy should take into account the risk of infant exposure, the benefits of breast-feeding to the infant, and benefits of treatment to the mother.
Gatifloxacin is a DNA gyrase inhibitor, and also inhibits topoisomerase IV. DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) is an essential bacterial enzyme that maintains the superhelical structure of DNA. DNA gyrase is required for DNA replication and transcription, DNA repair, recombination, and transposition; inhibition is bactericidal.
Absorption: Ophthalmic: Not measurable (<5 ng/mL)
