Generic name: moxifloxacin ophthalmic [ MOX-i-FLOX-a-sin ]
Brand names: Moxeza, Vigamox, Moxifloxacin (Eqv-Moxeza), Moxifloxacin (Eqv-Vigamox)
Dosage forms: intraocular solution (1 mg/mL; 5 mg/mL), ophthalmic solution (0.5%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 22, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic (for use in the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Moxifloxacin will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye. moxifloxacin ophthalmic is for use in treating only bacterial infections.

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use moxifloxacin ophthalmic if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and others).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying moxifloxacin ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic is usually used for 7 days in a row. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

Store at cool room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of moxifloxacin ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid wearing contact lenses until you no longer have symptoms of the eye infection.

moxifloxacin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine; or

• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection).

Common side effects of moxifloxacin ophthalmic may include:

• dry eyes or watery eyes;

• eye pain or discomfort;

• blurred vision; or

• mild itching, redness, or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Moxeza(R): Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day.
Vigamox(R): Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day.

Duration of therapy: 7 days

Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible strains of:
-Moxeza(R): Aerococcus viridans, Corynebacterium macginleyi, Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus arlettae, S aureus, S capitis, S epidermidis, S haemolyticus, S hominis, S saprophyticus, S warneri, Streptococcus mitis, S pneumoniae, S parasanguinis, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Propionibacterium acnes, Chlamydia trachomatis
-Vigamox(R): Corynebacterium species, M luteus, S aureus, S epidermidis, S haemolyticus, S hominis, S warneri, S pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), Acinetobacter lwoffii, H influenzae, H parainfluenzae, C trachomatis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Moxeza(R):
-Aged 4 months or older: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day.

Vigamox(R): Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day.

Duration of therapy: 7 days

Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible strains of:
-Moxeza(R): A viridans, C macginleyi, E faecalis, M luteus, S arlettae, S aureus, S capitis, S epidermidis, S haemolyticus, S hominis, S saprophyticus, S warneri, S mitis, S pneumoniae, S parasanguinis, E coli, H influenzae, K pneumoniae, P acnes, C trachomatis
-Vigamox(R): Corynebacterium species, M luteus, S aureus, S epidermidis, S haemolyticus, S hominis, S warneri, S pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), A lwoffii, H influenzae, H parainfluenzae, C trachomatis

What other drugs will affect moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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