What is Moxifloxacin?
Moxifloxacin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones, which is a type of quinolone antibiotic. It treats various bacterial eye infections by killing the bacteria causing the infection.
Common brand names for moxifloxacin include Moxeza and Vigamox. Moxifloxacin comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops) and is only available as a prescription.

What are Moxifloxacin Eye Drops Used for?
Moxifloxacin eye drops are used to treat bacterial eye infections. It's commonly prescribed as a bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) treatment.
Other uses include treatment for bacterial keratitis and preventing eye infections from cataract surgery and refractive eye surgery. It may be used for other purposes. Ask your healthcare professional for complete information about using this medicine.
Which Bacteria Does Moxifloxacin Treat?
Moxifloxacin effectively treats a wide range of bacteria. It’s a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic that’s especially effective against:2
- Streptococci bacteria
- Staphylococci bacteria
It may be used to treat infections caused by other types of bacteria.
How Quickly Do Moxifloxacin Eye Drops Start Working?
Studies show that 66% to 69% of people receiving moxifloxacin for bacterial conjunctivitis are cured by the fourth day.2
Another study found that 56% of people taking moxifloxacin were cured after three days, and 94% were cured by day seven.6
You should begin to feel better after several days of treatment with moxifloxacin. Call your doctor if your symptoms don’t go away or get worse. Also, tell your doctor if you develop new symptoms during treatment.
Is Moxifloxacin Safe for Eyes?
When used as directed and under the supervision of a healthcare professional, moxifloxacin is considered safe for the eyes of adults and children.2-3
Studies comparing moxifloxacin with other antibiotic treatments for conjunctivitis found moxifloxacin to be similar in safety and effectiveness.2, 5-6
Always consult your healthcare provider for advice on whether moxifloxacin is safe for your health needs.
What is Moxifloxacin Ophthalmic Solution?
This is another name for moxifloxacin eye drops. It's a liquid medication specifically formulated for use in the eyes. This article uses the terms ophthalmic solution and eye drops interchangeably.
How to Use Moxifloxacin Ophthalmic Solution
Only use this medicine in your eyes. Follow the instructions on your prescription label and ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions about using this medication.
You can use these eye drops at whatever time of day is convenient and easy to remember. It's best to apply the eye drops at the same times every day. However, don’t change the dosage of moxifloxacin or any other medication without your doctor’s approval.

Here’s how to use the eye drops:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye, fingertips, or anything else.
- Tilt your head back and use your index finger to gently pull down the lower eyelid of the affected eye, forming a pocket.
- Hold the dropper tip as close to your eye as possible without touching it.
- Gently squeeze the dropper so one drop falls into the eyelid pocket.
- Release your lower eyelid and close your eyes gently to allow the medicine to spread.
- Use your finger to apply gentle pressure to the tear duct.
- Wipe any excess liquid with a clean tissue.
- If the prescribed number of drops is more than one, wait at least 5 minutes before applying the next dose.
- Replace the cap and close it tightly. Don’t wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
- Wash your hands again.
Take this medication for as many days as your doctor tells you to. Don’t stop taking it early, even if you start feeling better.
Safety Precautions
Before prescribing moxifloxacin, your healthcare professional will take a complete medical history. Make sure to tell your doctor if you:
- Have had an unusual or allergic reaction. This includes reactions to moxifloxacin or any other quinolone antibiotic or other drugs. Tell them about any other allergies as well.
- Are taking any other drugs. Including prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins and other dietary supplements, and herbal products. Your doctor may need to alter the doses of your medications or monitor you for possible drug interactions or side effects.
- Have any medical conditions. Include any past medical conditions
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking moxifloxacin.
- Plan on breastfeeding. It's unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.
- Wear contact lenses. Avoid contact lens use while experiencing symptoms of pink eye or other eye infections. Throw away any contact lenses that touched the infected eye.
The risk of a secondary infection is another safety precaution to remember when using this drug for prolonged or repeated periods.
Studies show that preventive moxifloxacin used pre- and post-surgery significantly reduces populations of healthy bacteria in the nasal cavity.4 When beneficial bacteria are destroyed, it’s easier for disease-causing bacteria to cause an infection.
What if You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you can. However, if it's close to the time you would take your next dose, skip the missed dose and proceed with your regular dosing schedule.
Don't take a double dose or extra doses.
How to Store Moxifloxacin
Moxifloxacin should be stored in its container with the lid tightly closed. Keep it out of reach and sight of children. Store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place (not in the bathroom).
Dispose of any unused or expired medication. Don't flush medications down the toilet. Instead, ask your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about medicine take-back programs in your area.
What are the Side Effects of Moxifloxacin?
Moxifloxacin may cause side effects. Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects that are severe or don't go away.
Common Symptoms
The most common side effects people experience while taking moxifloxacin include:
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Decreased visual acuity
- Teary eyes
- Broken blood vessels in the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage)
Serious Symptoms
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Eye pain, itching, redness, or swelling
- Ear pain or fullness
- Fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection
- Rash or hives
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Call 911 or seek emergency medical help if you or someone else experiences:
- Trouble breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
These are symptoms of a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent a life-threatening situation.
Can Moxifloxacin Eye Drops Cause Blurred Vision?
Yes. Temporary blurred vision is a potential side effect of moxifloxacin eye drops. However, you should call your doctor for medical advice If you experience blurry vision that doesn't go away.
Also, tell your doctor if blurry vision occurs with other side effects while using this medicine, such as eye pain or eyelid swelling.
Summary
Moxifloxacin is a type of quinolone antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial pink eye. It may also be used to treat and help prevent other eye infections and for additional purposes.
These eye drops are considered safe for the eyes but may cause temporary blurred vision and other mild side effects. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. Call your doctor for advice about side effects that are severe or ongoing.
This article is only a summary of moxifloxacin and may not cover all possible information. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional with any questions about using this medication.
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