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

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 21, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic (for use in the eyes) is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye.

You should not use moxifloxacin ophthalmic if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex).

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

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. Stop using moxifloxacin ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

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

• signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Common side effects of moxifloxacin ophthalmic may include:

• dry or watery eyes;

• eye pain, redness, or discomfort; or

• blurred vision.

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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use moxifloxacin ophthalmic if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or similar medicines such as:

• ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, or others.

Tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses.

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.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Moxifloxacin ophthalmic will not treat a viral infection.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the prescribed number of drops.

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

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse. Do not use this medicine longer than prescribed.

Store at room temperature, in an upright position and tightly closed. Do not freeze.

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 happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

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 an eye infection. Ask your doctor how long you should wait before putting your lenses in.

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. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, 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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