Microgat 0.3% Eye Ointment

Microgat 0.3% Eye Ointment is a prescription eye antibiotic containing gatifloxacin 0.3% in each tube. It belongs to the fluoroquinolone class and is used to treat certain bacterial eye infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, when a clinician decides an ointment form is appropriate. Because it is an ointment, Microgat 0.3% Eye Ointment can stay on the eye surface longer than drops, which may help in some treatment plans. Use it exactly as prescribed for the infection your doctor is treating.

How it works: Gatifloxacin works by blocking bacterial enzymes the germs need to copy their DNA and multiply. Because Microgat 0.3% Eye Ointment is placed directly in the eye, the medicine acts at the infection site to help stop the bacteria from growing.

Microgat 0.3% Eye Ointment is the 0.3% ophthalmic ointment strength, so it is a treatment-strength product rather than a lower-dose over-the-counter eye lubricant. In ointment form, it may be chosen when longer contact time on the eye surface is helpful or when a patient has trouble using drops. The thickness of the ointment can blur vision briefly after application, so it may feel different from eye drops.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis
• Bacterial eye infection treatment
• Prescription ophthalmic antibiotic therapy
• Eye infection when an ointment is preferred

• Wash your hands before and after using Microgat 0.3% Eye Ointment.
• Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and place a thin ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket.
• Do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye, eyelid, fingers, or any surface.
• Close the eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes after applying the ointment.
• If you use other eye medicines, follow your doctor’s order and wait between products as instructed.
• Expect temporary blurred vision after applying the ointment and avoid driving until your vision clears.

Microgat 0.3% Eye Ointment provides gatifloxacin 0.3% in each tube, and the exact amount applied to the eye is measured as a small ribbon, not swallowed. Dosing frequency is decided by the prescriber based on the infection and your response; use it exactly as directed and do not apply more often than prescribed. The doctor decides the duration and maximum daily use for this strength.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Gatifloxacin may include:

• Temporary blurred vision after application
• Mild eye irritation or burning
• Eye redness
• Eye discomfort or stinging
• Unpleasant taste after use
• Tearing or watery eyes

• Use only in the eye; do not swallow Microgat 0.3% Eye Ointment.
• Tell your doctor if you have had allergies to gatifloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
• Do not wear contact lenses while you have an active eye infection unless your clinician says it is okay.
• Blurred vision can happen after use, so be careful with driving or machinery until your vision clears.
• Use extra caution if you have had tendon problems, nerve problems, or severe reactions to antibiotics in the past.
• If symptoms worsen or do not improve as directed, contact your prescriber promptly.
• Do not share this prescription eye ointment with anyone else.

• Other ophthalmic medicines, which may need to be spaced apart as directed
• Contact lens rewetting or eye products, which should not be used during active infection unless approved
• Any other antibiotic eye drops or ointments
• Medications that can affect tendon risk or cause unusual side effects when combined with fluoroquinolones, if your clinician is monitoring you

Store Microgat 0.3% Eye Ointment at room temperature in the original tube, tightly closed, and keep it away from heat, moisture, and children.