ZYMAR OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION (GATIFLOXACIN)

Zymar Ophthalmic Solution Description

The active ingredient of Zymar Ophthalmic Solution called Gatifloxacin is a fourth generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic prescribed to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, better known as ‘pink eye’, and blepharitis (a bacterial infection of your eyelids). Zymar Ophthalmic Solution will not treat viral pink eye, but it is just as easy to spread as bacterial pink eye.

Bacterial eye infections have been associated with being a possible cause for blepharitis which involves your eyelids becoming inflamed and swollen and the eyelid margin is coated in oily particles and bacteria. This can be especially bothersome for ladies that wear make-up to work or school and for those that prefer to wear contact lenses instead of eye glasses.

The Target for Zymar Ophthalmic Solution is an Essential Enzyme

Once administered in your eye as directed, Zymar Ophthalmic Solution enters bacterial cells and interferes with a vital enzyme called DNA gyrase. The bacteria are unaware this enzyme has been tampered with so they begin to try and replicate their own DNA, making any needed repairs as they go along, but are blocked midway without the use of the enzyme. This results in their death.

Common Uses for Zymar Ophthalmic Solution

Bacterial pink-eye, or conjunctivitis, is more common among children. This is because children are usually gathered in groups, such as day care, school, camp, or sleep-overs. All it takes is for one child to be infected and before you know it, there are several with red, itchy eyes that produce a thick yellowish discharge.

Children are much too busy to be concerned about hand washing after rubbing their eyes and touching their friends’ hand and in turn, this friend rubs her own eyes and pink eye has picked up another member. It may find its way through the entire family if precautions are not followed once your doctor has confirmed you or your child has bacterial conjunctivitis.

Your doctor may also prescribe Zymar Ophthalmic Solution to treat corneal ulcers that have formed as a result of a bacterial infection or post-operatively when you’ve had cataract surgery to be certain your eyes do not become infected while you are recovering.

Before You Use Zymar Ophthalmic Solution

Ask your doctor about the safety of using Zymar Ophthalmic Solution while you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Tell your doctor about other OTC and Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, and the medical conditions or allergies you are being treated for so it can be determined if Zymar Ophthalmic Solution is the right medicine for you.

Zymar Ophthalmic Solution Precautions

Do not drive or perform any tasks immediately following instillation of Zymar Ophthalmic Solution until you are able to see clearly. Do not allow young children outside or in areas where they may injure themselves until their vision returns to normal after you have placed Zymar Ophthalmic Solution in their eyes. If the symptoms of conjunctivitis have not improved after the treatment period, revisit your doctor for another exam. Contact lenses should removed before instilling this medicine and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.

Possible Side Effects of Zymar Ophthalmic Solution

• Headache
• Irritation
• Temporary blurry vision
• Pain or burning upon instilling medicine