Vigamox (Moxifloxacin Ophthalmic) Drug Information

  • Why is this medication prescribed?

    Vigamox (moxifloxacin ophthalmic) solution is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye; infection of the membrane that covers the outside of the eyeballs and the inside of the eyelids). Moxifloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infection.

  • How should this medicine be used?

    Vigamox (moxifloxacin) comes as an ophthalmic solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes. It is usually used three times a day for 7 days. Try to use at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Vigamox (moxifloxacin) eye drops exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

    You should expect your symptoms to improve during your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not go away or get worse, or if you develop other problems with your eyes during your treatment.

    Use Vigamox (moxifloxacin) eye drops until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using Vigamox (moxifloxacin) eye drops too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

    When you use Vigamox (moxifloxacin) eye drops, be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, face, or any surface. If the tip does touch another surface, bacteria may get into the eye drops. Using eye drops that are contaminated with bacteria may cause serious damage to the eye or loss of vision. If you think your eye drops have become contaminated, call your doctor or pharmacist.

    To use the eye drops, follow these steps:

    1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
    2. Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.
    3. Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.
    4. While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
    5. Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
    6. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
    7. While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
    8. Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
    9. Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.
    10. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.
    11. If you are to use more than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes before instilling the next drop. If your doctor told you to place Vigamox (moxifloxacin) ophthalmic solution in both eyes, repeat steps 6 to 10 above for your other eye.
    12. Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
    13. Wash your hands to remove any medication.
  • Other uses for this medicine

    This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • What special precautions should I follow?

    Before using Vigamox (moxifloxacin) eye drops,

    • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Vigamox (moxifloxacin) (Avelox, Vigamox), other quinolone antibiotics such as cinoxacin (Cinobac) (not available in the US), ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Ciloxan), enoxacin (Penetrex) (not available in the US), gatifloxacin (Tequin, Zymar), levofloxacin (Levaquin, Quixin, Iquix), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), nalidixic acid (NegGram) (not available in the US), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin, Ocuflox), sparfloxacin (Zagam), and trovafloxacin and alatrofloxacin combination (Trovan) (not available in the US) or any other medications.
    • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
    • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition.
    • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Vigamox (moxifloxacin) ophthalmic solution, call your doctor.
    • tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses. You should not wear contact lenses while you have symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis.
    • you should know that bacterial conjunctivitis spreads easily. Wash your hands often, especially after you touch your eyes. When your infection goes away, you should wash or replace any eye makeup, contact lenses, or other objects that touched your infected eye(s).
  • What special dietary instructions should I follow?

    Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

  • What should I do if I forget a dose?

    Instill the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one.

  • What side effects can this medication cause?

    Vigamox (moxifloxacin) eye drops may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

    • red, irritated, itchy, or teary eyes
    • blurred vision
    • eye pain
    • dry eyes
    • broken blood vessels in the eyes
    • runny nose
    • cough

    If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

    • sore throat, fever, chills and other signs of infection
    • ear pain or fullness
    • rash
    • hives
    • itching
    • difficulty breathing or swallowing
    • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

    Vigamox (moxifloxacin) eye drops may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

    If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

  • What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

  • In case of emergency/overdose

    In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

  • What other information should I know?

    Keep all appointments with your doctor.

    Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the Vigamox (moxifloxacin) eye drops, call your doctor.

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

  • Brand Names

    • Moxeza®
    • Vigamox®