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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

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

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.

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.

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 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.