Gatifloxacin + Dexamethasone: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Gatifloxacin + Dexamethasone is an ophthalmic (eye) combination of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and a corticosteroid, indicated for the treatment of steroid-responsive ocular inflammatory conditions where a bacterial infection or risk of bacterial infection is present or suspected.

Established/Guideline-Supported Uses

• Blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and keratoconjunctivitis with bacterial involvement and associated inflammation
• Anterior uveitis-related conditions such as iritis, iridocyclitis, and cyclitis where infection risk coexists with inflammation
• Scleritis and episcleritis with suspected bacterial component
• Corneal injury from chemical, radiation, or thermal burns, or penetration of foreign bodies, where bacterial infection risk is present
• Post-operative ocular inflammation following ophthalmic surgery, where infection prophylaxis alongside inflammation control is desired

Adjunct Use

May be used as an adjunct alongside systemic therapy in more severe inflammatory or infective ocular conditions, at the treating ophthalmologist's discretion.

This combination is intended only for conditions in which both an antibiotic and a corticosteroid are appropriate together; it should not be used for purely inflammatory conditions without infection risk, or for infections without significant inflammation, where a single-agent product is preferred.

Adults

Instill 1-2 drops of Gatifloxacin + Dexamethasone into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 3 to 4 times daily, or as directed by the ophthalmologist. In more severe infections, dosing may initially be more frequent, tapering as clinical improvement occurs.

Administration Instructions

• Wash hands before use; avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye, eyelid, or any other surface to prevent contamination
• Tilt the head back, pull down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and instill the prescribed number of drops
• Close the eye gently for 1-2 minutes after instillation; applying light pressure at the inner corner of the eye (punctal occlusion) can reduce systemic absorption
• If using with other eye drops, space administration by at least 5-10 minutes
• Discard the bottle per the labeled duration after first opening (commonly 4 weeks), even if solution remains

Duration of Treatment

Treatment duration should be individualized by the prescribing ophthalmologist based on clinical response, generally not exceeding 7-10 days without re-evaluation, since prolonged corticosteroid use increases the risk of intraocular pressure elevation and other steroid-related ocular complications.

Complete the full course of Gatifloxacin + Dexamethasone exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice, even if symptoms improve early, to reduce the risk of incomplete treatment of infection and antibiotic resistance.

Common Side Effects

• Eye irritation, stinging, or burning on instillation
• Redness (conjunctival hyperemia)
• Itching
• Chemosis (conjunctival swelling)
• Dry eye sensation
• Eyelid swelling
• Blurred or reduced visual acuity (transient)
• Foreign body sensation

Less Common but Significant Side Effects

• Elevated intraocular pressure/glaucoma (with prolonged use) - see Precautions
• Posterior subcapsular cataract formation (with prolonged use)
• Delayed corneal or wound healing
• Secondary ocular infection (fungal or viral) due to suppression of the host inflammatory/immune response
• Hypersensitivity reactions (eyelid swelling, itching, rash)