Moxifloxacin (Ophthalmic Route)

Drug Information provided by: Micromedex

ARTICLE SECTIONS

US Brand Names

Vigamox

Description

Moxifloxacin belongs to the family of medicines called antibiotics. Moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution (eye drops) is used to treat infections of the eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis. Ophthalmic moxifloxacin works by killing the bacteria in your eye.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

Solution

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Although there is no specific information comparing use of moxifloxacin eye drops in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in older adults. This medicine should not be used in children younger than one year old.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. Moxifloxacin eye drops are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Cisapride
Mesoridazine
Pimozide
Ranolazine
Thioridazine
Ziprasidone

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use

To use:

First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink.
If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
To keep the medicine as germ free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye).

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

To keep the medicine as germ free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including your eye).

You should not wear your contact lenses if you have any signs or symptoms of an eye infection.

For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form:

For bacterial conjunctivitis (eye infections)
- Adults and children 1 year of age and older—One drop in your infected eye(s) three times a day for 7 days.
- Children up to 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue, shortness of breath, skin rash, tightness in chest, unusual tiredness or weakness or wheezing. These could be symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence unknown

Fainting or loss of consciousness
Fast or irregular breathing
Itching
Skin rash
Swelling of eyes or eyelids
Tightness in chest, and/or wheezing
Trouble in breathing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

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