Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 24, 2025.
Applies to gatifloxacin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.
Precautions
If your or your child's eye infection does not improve within a few days, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, red or swollen skin around the eye or eyelid, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have blistering, peeling, or loose skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.
Serious side effects
Along with its needed effects, gatifloxacin ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking gatifloxacin ophthalmic:
More common side effects
- eye irritation
- eye pain
- eye redness
Less common side effects
- bloody eye
- decrease in vision
- swelling of the membrane covering the white part of the eye
Rare side effects
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- itching
- joint or muscle pain
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- hives or welts, or skin rash
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- redness of the skin
- tightness in the chest
- trouble breathing
Other side effects
Some side effects of gatifloxacin ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
- blurred vision
- discharge from the eyes
- itching eyes
- stringy mucus secretions
- swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
- watering eyes
Less common side effects
- bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
- change in taste
- dry eye
- headache
For healthcare professionals
Applies to gatifloxacin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.
Ocular adverse events
- Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctival irritation, increased lacrimation, keratitis, papillary conjunctivitis, chemosis, conjunctival hemorrhage, dry eye, eye discharge, worsening of conjunctivitis, eye irritation, eye pain, eyelid edema, red eye, decreased visual acuity
- Postmarketing reports: Blepharitis, eye pruritus, eye swelling (including corneal and conjunctival edema), blurred vision[Ref]
Nervous system
- Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dysgeusia/taste disturbance[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
- Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Postmarketing reports: Angioedema (including pharyngeal, oral, or facial edema), pruritus (including generalized pruritus), rash, urticaria[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Respiratory
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References
1. (2003) "Product Information. Zymar (gatifloxacin ophthalmic)." Allergan Inc
2. (2015) "Product Information. Zymaxid (gatifloxacin ophthalmic)." A-S Medication Solutions
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Further information
Gatifloxacin ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.