Generic
Loteprednol + Gatifloxacin eye prep
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Loteprednol + Gatifloxacin eye prep is used for bacterial eye infections. Gatifloxacin kills bacteria and Loteprednol reduces inflammation, redness, and itching in the eye.
Description
Loteprednol + Gatifloxacin eye prep is a combination of two medicines: Gatifloxacin and Loteprednol etabonate. Gatifloxacin is an 8-methoxyfluoroquinolone that inhibits DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair. Loteprednol is a corticosteroid that induces phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins (lipocortins) to control the biosynthesis of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Indications
- Steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions (allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, iritis, cyclitis)
- Post-operative inflammation
- Conditions with superficial bacterial ocular infection or risk
Therapeutic class
Ophthalmic Steroid Preparations
Pharmacological class
Steroid + Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Loteprednol induces lipocortins to inhibit arachidonic acid release, controlling inflammatory mediator biosynthesis. Gatifloxacin inhibits DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV to prevent bacterial DNA replication.
Mechanism of action
Kills bacteria and reduces eye inflammation, redness, and itching.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Eye Drop):
- Instill 1-2 drops into conjunctival sac of affected eye(s) every 4-6 hours
- May increase to every 1-2 hours during first 24-48 hours
- Decrease frequency gradually as clinical signs improve
Administration
- For ophthalmic use only
- Wash hands before use
- Hold dropper close to the eye without touching; place drop in the lower eyelid
- Wipe off extra liquid
- Allow 5 minutes interval between different eye medications
Missed dose
Not generally applicable (regular use); consult doctor if needed.
Side effects
Common Side Effects (5-10%):
- Conjunctival irritation
- Increased lacrimation
- Keratitis
- Papillary conjunctivitis
Other (1-4%):
- Chemosis, conjunctival hemorrhage, dry eye, eye discharge
- Eye irritation, pain, eyelid edema
- Headache, red eye, reduced visual acuity, taste disturbance
Precautions & warnings
- Monitor intraocular pressure if used for 10 days or longer
- Consider fungal invasion in any persistent corneal ulceration
- If using soft contact lenses, wait at least 10 minutes before inserting after drops
- Do not inject subconjunctivally or into the anterior chamber
Contraindications
- Viral diseases (including epithelial herpes simplex)
- Mycobacterial eye infections
- Fungal diseases of ocular structures
- Hypersensitivity to any ingredients
- History of hypersensitivity to other quinolones, acetylsalicylic acid, or other NSAIDs
Drug interactions
Allow 5 minutes interval with other eye medications.
Food interactions
No food interactions found (eye drops).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Loteprednol + Gatifloxacin eye prep may be unsafe during pregnancy (Category C); animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus. Use only if benefits outweigh risks.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Loteprednol + Gatifloxacin eye prep is probably unsafe during breastfeeding; caution should be exercised.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children.
Geriatric use
Safe for elderly; no special precautions needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
No specific precautions applicable (eye drops).
Overdose effects
No specific overdose information available; symptomatic and supportive measures should be employed.
Storage conditions
Store at room temperature, protected from light; protect from freezing; use within 1 month of opening; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Loteprednol + Gatifloxacin Eye Prep