Gatifloxacin
Active ingredient · 2 therapeutic classes
Sold as ZYMAR · ZYMAXID
- Drug class
- Fluoroquinolones
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Ophthalmic
- Markets covered
- 2
- Products on record
- 4
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 35
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Gatifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic [1]. It is approved for treating bacterial conjunctivitis, an infection of the eye, caused by specific susceptible bacteria [1]. These include certain gram-positive bacteria like *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Staphylococcus epidermidis*, *Streptococcus mitis* group, *Streptococcus oralis*, and *Streptococcus pneumoniae* [1]. It is also effective against certain gram-negative bacteria, such as *Haemophilus influenzae* [1].
Gatifloxacin is available under various brand names, including ZYMAXID [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 35 adverse event reports associated with this active ingredient [2]. The most frequently reported adverse events include eye pain, no adverse event, anaphylactic reaction, drug intolerance, and eye swelling [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 3 | March 22, 2025 |
| US United States | FDA | 1 | September 1, 2016 |
CACanada· Health Canada
3 products
Uses
ZYMAR® (gatifloxacin) is indicated for the treatment of patients 1 year of age and older with bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of the following bacteria: Aerobic Gram-positive bacteria: • Staphylococcus aureus • Staphylococcus epidermidis • Streptococcus pneumoniae Aerobic Gram-negative bacteria: • Haemophilus influenzae To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of ZYMAR and other antibacterial drugs, ZYMAR should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
1 Pediatrics Pediatrics (≥ 1 year and ≤ 12 years of age): Based on the data submitted and reviewed by Health Canada, the safety and efficacy of ZYMAR in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older has been established; therefore, Health Canada has authorized an indication for pediatric use.
3 Pediatrics. 2 Geriatrics Geriatrics (> 65 years of age): No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.
USUnited States· FDA
1 product
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZYMAXID ® is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of the following organisms: Aerobic gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Streptococcus mitis group * Streptococcus oralis * Streptococcus pneumoniae Aerobic gram-negative bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae *Efficacy for these organisms were studied in fewer than 10 infections .
ZYMAXID ® is a quinolone antimicrobial indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of the following organisms: Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mitis group , Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus pneumoniae ( 1 )
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Gatifloxacin. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 553. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]Health Canada (DPD) · 02257270 · revised March 22, 2025
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 1160b16c-929a-4e… · revised September 1, 2016 [PDF]
- [3]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.