Zymar Eye Drops is an effective topical medication used to treat bacterial infections of the eye surface. This eye drop contains the active ingredient gatifloxacin at a concentration of 0.3%, a powerful antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class. Gatifloxacin is broadly effective against a variety of bacteria that cause common eye infections, making it a reliable treatment option for relieving symptoms, eliminating infection, and restoring eye health.
The active ingredient in Zymar Eye Drops
The therapeutic efficacy of Zymar Eye Drops is primarily based on the following active ingredient:
Gatifloxacin: 0.3% w/v, equivalent to 3 mg of gatifloxacin per milliliter of solution. Gatifloxacin is a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic characterized by its high ability to penetrate ocular tissues and its effectiveness against a wide spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that cause superficial eye infections. How Zymar Eye Drops Work
Gatifloxacin works to combat bacterial eye infections by inhibiting the action of two vital enzymes within bacterial cells: DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. These enzymes are essential for bacterial DNA replication and cell division. By inhibiting these enzymes, gatifloxacin hinders the bacteria's ability to grow and multiply, ultimately killing the bacteria and eliminating the infection in the eye.
Indications for Zymar Eye Drops
Zymar eye drops are primarily used to treat superficial bacterial infections of the eye, including:
Bacterial conjunctivitis: An inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelid, characterized by redness, swelling, a burning sensation, itching, and a sticky yellow or green discharge.
Bacterial keratitis: This is an inflammation of the cornea, the transparent outer layer covering the front of the eye. It can be more serious and requires prompt and effective treatment.
Your doctor may prescribe Zymar eye drops for other superficial bacterial eye infections at their discretion.
How to Use Zymar Eye Drops
Zymar eye drops should be used exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. General instructions for use include:
Wash your hands thoroughly before using the drops.
Tilt your head back and pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
Bring the tip of the dropper close to your eye, avoiding touching the surface of the eye, eyelids, eyelashes, or any other surface to prevent contamination of the dropper with bacteria.
Gently squeeze the base of the dropper to dispense one drop into the pocket created in the lower eyelid.
Gently close your eye for a few seconds and press your finger against the inner corner of your eye near your nose to help prevent the medication from spreading to your nose and throat. If your doctor has prescribed eye drops for both eyes, repeat the above steps for the other eye.
Wait at least five minutes before using any other eye drops, if prescribed.
The eye drops should be used in the dose, frequency, and duration prescribed by your doctor. Typically, one drop should be used in the affected eye every four hours during waking hours for seven days.
On the first day of treatment, your doctor may recommend using one drop every two hours up to eight times a day for faster results.
The entire course of treatment should be completed, even if symptoms improve after a few days, to prevent recurrence and the development of antibiotic resistance.