Indications 

Zymaxid Ophthalmic Solution is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial eye infections, specifically bacterial conjunctivitis. Zymaxid is specifically designed for bacterial infections and will not be effective against viral or fungal eye infections. 

Zymaxid contains the active ingredient gatifloxacin, which is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It works by preventing the bacteria from dividing and repairing, thus stopping the infection from spreading. 

Use and Dosage 

Zymaxid Ophthalmic Solution is available as an ophthalmic solution, which means it is designed for use in the eyes. It is applied topically by placing drops of the solution directly into the affected eye(s). Generally, Zymaxid is applied as one to two drops in the affected eye(s), usually two to four times daily, for a specific duration as prescribed by your healthcare provider. 

The recommended dosage and frequency of use will depend on the severity of the infection and the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. To properly use Zymaxid Ophthalmic Solution, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the instructions on the prescription label. Here is a general guideline on how to use Zymaxid: 

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before using the eye drops. 
2. Shake the bottle well before each use, if instructed to do so. 
3. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. 
4. Hold the bottle upside down, close to your eye, but without touching it. 
5. Squeeze the bottle gently to instill the prescribed number of drops into the pocket created by your lower eyelid. 
6. Blink a few times to help spread the medication evenly across the eye. 
7. If you are using the eye drops in both eyes, repeat the process for the other eye. 
8. Replace the cap tightly on the bottle after each use to prevent contamination. 
9. Wash your hands again after using the eye drops. 

Use Zymaxid exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more frequently than prescribed. In addition, Store the Solution at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not use the medication past its expiration date, as it may not be effective or could potentially be harmful. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects  

• Changes in taste 
• Eye irritation or pain 
• Worsening of conjunctivitis 

Serious Side Effects  

• Arm or leg weakness 
• Blurred vision 
• Confusion 
• Crusting or drainage from the eye 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights 
• Eye swelling 
• Fainting 
• Fast, irregular, pounding heartbeats 
• Feeling unsteady 
• Fluttering in your chest 
• High fever 
• Hives 
• Lightheartedness 
• Loss of coordination 
• New or worsening eye problems 
• Profuse sweating 
• Severe discomfort 
• Severe headache 
• Shortness of breath 
• Slow heart rate 
• Slurred speech 
• Sudden dizziness 
• Sudden vision loss 
• Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat 
• Tremors 
• Trouble walking 
• Tunnel vision 
• Very stiff muscles 
• Weak pulse 

Cautions 

• Allergic reactions: If you have known allergies or hypersensitivity to gatifloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, inform your healthcare provider before using Zymaxid. Allergic reactions to medications can range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction. 
• Avoid contact lenses: During the course of treatment with Zymaxid, avoid wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses can absorb the medication, reducing its effectiveness. Consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions regarding contact lens use. 
• Not for use in viral or fungal infections: Zymaxid Ophthalmic Solution is specifically designed to treat bacterial eye infections and is not effective against viral or fungal eye infections.  
• Use with caution in certain medical conditions: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any underlying medical conditions, especially if you have a history of tendon disorders, myasthenia gravis, or any other muscular disorders. Zymaxid may worsen these conditions or cause adverse effects. 
• Potential for eye irritation: Zymaxid Ophthalmic Solution may cause transient eye irritation, such as stinging or burning, upon application. If you experience severe or persistent eye discomfort, inform your healthcare provider. 
• Drug interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements that you are taking. Certain medications may interact with Zymaxid, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. 
• Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your healthcare provider before using Zymaxid.  
• Pediatric use: The safety and effectiveness of Zymaxid Ophthalmic Solution in children under the age of one year have not been established. Consult with a pediatrician for appropriate treatment options for children. 
• Avoid touching the tip of the bottle: To prevent contamination, avoid touching the tip of the Zymaxid bottle to any surface, including the eye. This can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Additionally, do not use the solution if it appears cloudy or discolored. 
• Duration of treatment: Follow the prescribed treatment duration recommended by your healthcare provider. Do not stop using Zymaxid before completing the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve. Prematurely discontinuing treatment can lead to incomplete eradication of the infection and potential recurrence. 
• Eye surgery or injury: If you are scheduled for eye surgery or have recently experienced an eye injury, inform your healthcare provider. They will advise you on whether it is safe to use Zymaxid in these circumstances. 
• Driving and operating machinery: Zymaxid Ophthalmic Solution may cause blurred vision or other visual disturbances temporarily after application. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision returns to normal.