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Gatifloxacin ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 21, 2022.

Applies to gatifloxacin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

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

  • Eye irritation
  • eye pain
  • eye redness

Less common

  • Bloody eye
  • decrease in vision
  • swelling of the membrane covering the white part of the eye

Rare

  • 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

  • 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

  • Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
  • change in taste
  • dry eye
  • headache

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to gatifloxacin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Ocular

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

Postmarketing reports: Nausea[Ref]

Respiratory

Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Zymar (gatifloxacin ophthalmic). Allergan Inc. 2003.

2. Product Information. Zymaxid (gatifloxacin ophthalmic). A-S Medication Solutions. 2015.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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