Zymaxid 0.5% Drop

ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP

• Name:

  • Brand Name: ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP (also known as Zymaxid 0.5% Eye Drops)
  • Common Name: Gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5%

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Gatifloxacin 0.5% (5 mg/mL)
  • Inactive Ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride 0.005%, edetate disodium, sodium chloride, and purified water. May contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.

• Uses: ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. It is effective against various aerobic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. It is not effective against viral eye infections.

• Dosage and Administration: For topical ophthalmic use only. For patients 1 year of age or older:

  • Day 1: Instill one drop every two hours in the affected eye(s) while awake, up to 8 times.
  • Days 2 through 7: Instill one drop two to four times daily in the affected eye(s) while awake. To administer, wash hands, tilt the head back, and pull down the lower eyelid to create a pocket. Instill the drop without touching the eye with the dropper tip. Close eyes for 2-3 minutes, avoiding blinking. Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Worsening of conjunctivitis, eye irritation, eye pain, changes in taste (dysgeusia), burning and stinging sensation, temporary blurred vision, watery eyes, and eye redness.
  • Serious Side Effects (Rare): Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), dyspnea, urticaria (hives), itching, and severe skin rashes like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

• Precautions:

  • Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Gatifloxacin, other quinolones, or any components of the medication.
  • Avoid contaminating the dropper tip.
  • Patients should not wear contact lenses while having symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis or during treatment.
  • Prolonged use may lead to overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi.
  • Not recommended for children below one year of age.
  • May cause temporary blurred vision; caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.
  • Consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Storage: Store at room temperature, typically between 15°-25°C (59°-77°F) or 20-25°C (68-77°F). Protect from freezing and store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Use the solution within 4 weeks of opening the bottle and do not use after the expiry date.

ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP is an antibiotic ophthalmic solution primarily used to treat bacterial eye infections. Here are some frequently asked questions about this medication:

What is ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP used for?

ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP, containing gatifloxacin, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (commonly known as "pink eye") caused by specific susceptible strains of bacteria.

How does ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP work?

This medicine works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. Gatifloxacin, the active ingredient, inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are essential enzymes for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair, leading to bacterial cell death.

What is the usual dosage for ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP?

For patients 1 year of age or older, the typical dosage is:

• Day 1: Instill one drop into the affected eye(s) every two hours while awake, up to 8 times.
• Days 2 through 7: Instill one drop into the affected eye(s) two to four times daily while awake. It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.

What are the possible side effects of ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP?

Common side effects include worsening of conjunctivitis, eye irritation, eye pain, changes in taste (dysgeusia), blurred vision, eye redness, and watery eyes. Serious, though rare, side effects can include severe allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Is ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: ZYMAXID should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus, as there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Breastfeeding: It is not known if gatifloxacin passes into human breast milk. While systemic absorption from eye drops is minimal, caution should be exercised, and you should consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Can ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP be taken with other medications?

Specific drug interaction studies for ZYMAXID ophthalmic solution have not been conducted. However, it is advisable to inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Fluoroquinolones, in general, can interact with certain medications, but systemic absorption from eye drops is low.

What precautions should be taken while using ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP?

• This medicine is for topical ophthalmic use only and should not be injected into the eye's anterior chamber.
• Avoid contaminating the dropper tip by not touching it to the eye or any other surface.
• Do not wear contact lenses if you have signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis or during the course of treatment with ZYMAXID.
• Prolonged use may lead to the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi.
• ZYMAXID is not recommended for children below one year of age.
• Temporary blurred vision may occur after instilling the drops, so avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears.

What happens if a dose of ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP is missed?

If you miss a dose, instill it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

How should ZYMAXID 0.5% DROP be stored?

Store ZYMAXID at 15°-25°C (59°-77°F). Protect it from freezing and keep it out of the sight and reach of children.