Gatifloxacin+loteprednol
About Gatifloxacin+loteprednol
Gatifloxacin+loteprednol consists of a combination of an eye medication containing antibiotic and corticosteroid, primarily used to treat bacterial infections, including conjunctivitis/pink eye. It also decreases the risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) and other eye inflammatory conditions (cornea, iris, and connective tissue) in postoperative patients. A bacterial eye infection occurs when bacteria invade any part of the eyeball or its surrounding tissues, including the cornea (clear front surface of the eye) and the conjunctiva (thin membrane lining the outer eye and inner eyelids). A bacterial eye infection symptoms include red eyes, pain, swelling of eyes, watery eyes, itching, and blurry vision.
Gatifloxacin+loteprednol contains Gatifloxacin (antibiotic) and Loteprednol (corticosteroid). Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic that helps treat and prevent a wide range of bacterial infections. It kills bacteria (bactericidal action) by preventing the synthesis of enzymes, namely DNA gyrase and Topoisomerase IV, which is essential for the growth and survival of the bacterial cell. Loteprednol is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties and acts by inhibiting the chemicals such as prostaglandins production (chemical messengers) that make the eye red, swollen, and itchy. It reduces symptoms associated with infection, such as redness and irritation of the eye, and decreases the risk of infections.
Gatifloxacin+loteprednol is for external use only. Use Gatifloxacin+loteprednol as prescribed by your doctor. Gatifloxacin+loteprednol is only for use in the eyes. Do not swallow or inject Gatifloxacin+loteprednol. You are advised to use Gatifloxacin+loteprednol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it based on your medical condition. If you wear contact lenses or are wearing them, remove them before using Gatifloxacin+loteprednol, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Gatifloxacin+loteprednol. You may experience watery eyes, irritation in the eyes, and eye itching, in some cases. Most of these side effects of Gatifloxacin+loteprednol are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take Gatifloxacin+loteprednol if you are allergic to antibiotics, corticosteroids or any ingredient of Gatifloxacin+loteprednol. Put Gatifloxacin+loteprednol only if the doctor prescribes you. It would help if you did not stop taking Gatifloxacin+loteprednol abruptly, as it may worsen your symptoms. Also, do not put more than the prescribed dose of Gatifloxacin+loteprednol, as it may cause glaucoma or optic nerve damage. Do not take any other eye medication with Gatifloxacin+loteprednol without consulting your doctor. The use of loteprednol in Gatifloxacin+loteprednol after cataract surgery is known to slow the surgery's healing process, so it is given in a very minimum dose. If you have or ever had glaucoma (increased eye pressure), herpes simplex infection, or any other eye problem, are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take Gatifloxacin+loteprednol until prescribed by your doctor.
Uses of Gatifloxacin+loteprednol
Medicinal Benefits
Gatifloxacin+loteprednol is a combination of two drugs: Gatifloxacin (antibiotic) and Loteprednol (corticosteroid). Gatifloxacin belongs to the group of medicines called fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, including conjunctivitis (pinkeye). It kills bacteria (bactericidal action) by preventing the synthesis of enzymes, namely DNA gyrase and Topoisomerase IV, which is essential for the growth and survival of the bacterial cell. Gatifloxacin+loteprednol has a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against aerobic gram-positive and aerobic gram-negative bacteria (that live in oxygen). Loteprednol is a corticosteroid that works by blocking prostaglandins (a chemical messenger) in the brain, making the eye red, swollen and itchy. As a result, it reduces symptoms associated with infection, such as redness and irritation of the eye, and decreases the risk of infections. Gatifloxacin+loteprednol is used to prevent or treat only bacterial eye infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Gatifloxacin+loteprednol
- Eye irritation
- Eye redness
- Pain on the administration of medicine
- Blurred vision
- Decreases in taste sensitivity (dysgeusia)
- Anterior chamber inflammation
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial eye infection: A bacterial eye infection occurs when bacteria invade any part of the eyeball or surrounding tissues, including the cornea (clear front surface of the eye) and the conjunctiva (thin membrane lining the outer eye inner eyelids). A bacterial eye infection symptoms include red eyes, pain, swelling of eyes, watery eyes, itching, and blurry vision. Some prevalent/very common eye infections are Conjunctivitis (pink eye) and Stye.
Conjunctivitis: A condition caused by the inflammation and irritation of the eye's mucous membrane (conjunctiva).
Stye: Formation of a bump on the eyelid that happens when bacteria from the skin get into an eyelash's hair follicle.
FAQs
Gatifloxacin+loteprednol is a combination of drugs: Gatifloxacin and Loteprednol. Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria that is causing the infection. Loteprednol is a corticosteroid with an anti-inflammatory activity that reduces eye discomfort and the risk of eye infections.
You should avoid contaminating the applicator tip of Gatifloxacin+loteprednol with material from the eye, fingers, or other sources. Try not to share personal cloth or stuff till your eye infections persist. Besides this, do not wear contact lenses, as it can cause your eye condition to get worse.
Gatifloxacin+loteprednol is recommended for use in the eye only. It is not recommended for treating ear problems.
Avoid prolonged use, as it may cause cataracts (clouding of the eye) and increase the risk of a second infection. Also, do not wear contact lenses while using Gatifloxacin+loteprednol.
Do not take Gatifloxacin+loteprednol on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
Yes, the Gatifloxacin+loteprednol is known to cause eye irritation. Gatifloxacin+loteprednol contains a preservative, Benzalkonium chloride, which is known to cause eye irritation. If it becomes severe, please visit your doctor immediately.
