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Overview: Moxifloxacin ophthalmic is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat a certain type of bacterial eye infection. Common side include eye dryness, redness, itching, pain, discomfort, and changes in vision. If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them while your eye infection is being treated with moxifloxacin ophthalmic. Talk to your healthcare provider about when you can safely start wearing contact lenses again after your eye infection.

 

Uses

What is moxifloxacin ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic (eye) is commonly used to treat conjunctivitis (pink eye) that is caused by certain types of bacteria.

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic may not be appropriate for the infection listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to moxifloxacin ophthalmic, which will make it not work as well.

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Other forms of moxifloxacin are available for use by mouth or injection. See Moxifloxacin for more information. 

How does moxifloxacin ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic kills certain types of bacteria by disrupting their ability to create and repair their DNA.

How is moxifloxacin ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brand and other names

  • Vigamox

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5% ophthalmic solution (eye drop)

How should I store moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 77 F (2 C to 25 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of moxifloxacin ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pink eye
  • Changes in vision
  • Dry or watery eyes
  • Inflammation of the clear covering over your eye (keratitis)
  • Eye discomfort or pain
  • Eye redness or itching
  • A red spot on your eye caused by a broken blood vessel (subconjunctival hemorrhage)

There may be other side effects of moxifloxacin ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of moxifloxacin ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Moxifloxacin ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using moxifloxacin ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using moxifloxacin ophthalmic for a long period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Only use this medicine for the time you are told by your healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use moxifloxacin ophthalmic.

  • Moxifloxacin
  • Moxeza
  • Vigamox
  • Any other medicine known as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic or quinolone antibiotic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific moxifloxacin ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about moxifloxacin ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use moxifloxacin ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share moxifloxacin ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep moxifloxacin ophthalmic out of the reach of children. If this medicine is stored in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Moxifloxacin ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to use moxifloxacin ophthalmic.

Do not wear contact lenses while your eye infection is being treated with moxifloxacin ophthalmic. Talk to your healthcare provider about when you can safely start wearing contact lenses again after your eye infection.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if moxifloxacin ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how moxifloxacin ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use moxifloxacin ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if moxifloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use moxifloxacin ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does moxifloxacin ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between moxifloxacin ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between moxifloxacin ophthalmic and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does moxifloxacin ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between moxifloxacin ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much moxifloxacin ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of moxifloxacin ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of moxifloxacin ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to moxifloxacin ophthalmic or other similar medicines.