GATIFLOXACIN

It is a highly efficacious, broad spectrum fourth generation fluoroquinolone. The antibacterial activity of gatifloxacin results from inhibition of DNA gyrase (Topoisomerase II) and Toposiomerase, IV, the enzyme that plays a key role in partitioning of the chromosomal DNA during bacterial cell division.

Indications : Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of the following aerobic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as S.aureus, S.epidermidis, S.pneumoniae, S.mitis, Comyebacterium propinquum and Haemophillus influenzae.

Dosage: Days 1 and 2: Instill one drop every two hours in the effected eye(s) while awake, up to 8 times daily. Days 3 through 7: Instill one drop up to four times daily while awake.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to gatifloxacin, to other quinolones or to any other components in this medication.

Special precautions: General: As with other anti-infective, prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non susceptible organisms, including fungi. If super infection occurs discontinue use and institute alternative therapy. Patients should be advised not to wear contact lenses if they have signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Side-effects: The must frequently reported side effects in the overall study population were conjunctival irritation, increased lacrimation, keratitis, and papillary conjunctivitis. These events occurred in approximately 5-10% of patients. Other reported reactions occurring in 1-4% of patients were chemosis, conjunctival hemorrhage, dry eye, eye discharge, eye irritation, eye pain, eyelid edema, headache, red eye, reduced visual acuity and taste disturbance.