Gatifloxacin+prednisolone
About
Gatifloxacin+prednisolone belongs to a group of medications called ‘Antibiotics and Corticosteroids’ used to treat bacterial eye infections or eye discomfort, especially in patients who have undergone eye surgeries. It also decreases the risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) and other inflammatory conditions of the eye (cornea, iris, and connective tissue) in postoperative patients.
Gatifloxacin+prednisolone is a combination of two medicines: Gatifloxacin and Prednisolone. Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic that acts by interfering with the formation of essential proteins required for bacterial growth. Prednisolone is a steroid that reduces inflammation and symptoms associated with infection such as redness and irritation. It works by inhibiting the chemicals such as prostaglandins that cause inflammation.
Gatifloxacin+prednisolone is available for external use only. You should take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Gatifloxacin+prednisolone are application site reactions such as redness, burning or stinging sensation, watery eyes, and blurred vision. These side-effects are mild and temporary. It may also cause inflammation of the cornea (clear outer layer of the eye), which is a serious side-effect and may cause vision problems. If any of these side-effects persist, consult your doctor immediately.
Inform your doctor before using Gatifloxacin+prednisolone if you have allergic reactions to medicines, tuberculosis, damaged cornea, ulcers in the eye, eye infection and producing pus, open lesions in the eye and glaucoma (a condition where the pressure inside the eye is increased). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting Gatifloxacin+prednisolone. This medicine may cause temporary blurred vision; hence drive only when you are alert and have clear vision.
Uses of Gatifloxacin+prednisolone
Medicinal Benefits
Gatifloxacin+prednisolone is a combination of two medicines: Gatifloxacin and Prednisolone. Gatifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone and broad-spectrum antibiotic. It can act against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It acts by interfering with the formation of essential proteins required for bacterial growth. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties and acts by inhibiting the chemicals such as prostaglandins that cause inflammation. It reduces symptoms associated with infection, such as redness and irritation of the eye and decreases the risk of infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Gatifloxacin+prednisolone
- Redness in the eye
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eye
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Inflammation of the cornea (severe)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Gatifloxacin+prednisolone, inform your doctor if you have vision problems, severe pain in the eye, ulcers in the eye, glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye), eye injury, or have undergone eye surgery or using any other eye drops or eye ointment. Do not use eye drops for longer than recommended by your doctor as it may increase the risk of cataracts (clouding of the eye) and increase the risk of a second infection. So, inform your doctor immediately if you notice any persistent visual disturbances while using this medicine. Do not wear contact lenses while using Gatifloxacin+prednisolone.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Gatifloxacin+prednisolone may interact with other quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin, etc.), an antiviral drug (ritonavir), and a medication used to treat HIV (cobicistat).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have fungal infections, viral infections (herpes simplex or varicella), parasitic infections (amoebiasis), tuberculosis, damaged cornea, ulceration, and glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye) before using Gatifloxacin+prednisolone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDo not take alcohol while using Gatifloxacin+prednisolone as it may affect your ability to fight infections.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is advised to consult your doctor if you plan to conceive or are already pregnant before starting Gatifloxacin+prednisolone.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere are limited studies on how Gatifloxacin+prednisolone affects breastfed infants. Please consult your doctor before taking Gatifloxacin+prednisolone if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionThere are limited studies on how Gatifloxacin+prednisolone affects breastfed infants. Please consult your doctor before taking Gatifloxacin+prednisolone if you are breastfeeding.
Liver
safe if prescribedGatifloxacin+prednisolone can be used for treating eye infections in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
safe if prescribedGatifloxacin+prednisolone can be used for treating eye infections in patients with kidney diseases.
Children
cautionGatifloxacin+prednisolone should be used with caution in children. It is not recommended for use in newborns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Sleep for at least six to eight hours to rejuvenate your eyes naturally.
- Wash your eyes with clean water at least two to three times a day
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages as it can make you dehydrated and affect your sleep. This effect can also affect your body’s ability to fight off infections.
- Reduce screen time (by avoiding watching tv or phone) and use sunglasses while going out into the sunlight.
Special Advise
It is advised to contact your doctor if the infection symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial eye infections: Bacterial eye infections are the common eye problems seen in a primary care setting. The common eye problems are conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), stye (bump on the eyelid), and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). The risk for eye infection is high in post-operative patients or patients who have undergone Lasik, cataracts or other eye surgeries.
FAQs
Gatifloxacin+prednisolone is a combination of two medicines: Gatifloxacin and Prednisolone. Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic and stops the growth of bacteria that is causing the infection. Prednisolone is an anti-inflammatory medicine that reduces eye discomfort and the risk of eye infections.
Do not wear contact lenses while using Gatifloxacin+prednisolone and also if you have any eye problems as use of contact lenses may worsen the condition.
Gatifloxacin+prednisolone is generally prescribed for 7 days. You should take this medicine for a duration given by your doctor. Avoid prolonged use, as it may cause cataracts (clouding of the eye) and increase the second infection risk.
If you use other eye ointments/drops along with Gatifloxacin+prednisolone, it is advised to maintain a gap of at least 5-10 minutes after each administration. Also, use eye drops before applying any eye ointment.
