Vigamox

The active ingredient in Vigamox is moxifloxacin hydrochloride and the inactive ingredients include boric acid, purified water, and sodium chloride. Moxifloxacin HCl is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic (or "quinolone"). The mechanism of action involves inhibiting particular proteins (DNA gyrase) that bacteria require to grow, repair their genetic material (DNA), and survive. By inhibiting this mechanism, moxifloxacin (Vigamox) destroys bacteria caused by susceptible strains of the following microorganisms.

Corynebacterium species, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus warneri, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans group, Acinetobacter lwoffii, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, and chlamydia trachomatis.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Vigamox. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Vigamox:

• Continue taking this medication even if your symptoms resolve fast. Skipping doses or stopping Vigamox may make your infection resistant to treatment. Vigamox does not treat viral infections.
• Before applying eye medicine, wash your hands.
• To apply the eye drops, pull down your lower eyelid to form a little pocket, then squeeze a drop into it. Close your eyes for about 1 minute.
• Only use the indicated number of drops.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip or placing it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, resulting in serious visual issues.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen. Do not use this medication for longer than suggested.

The most common side effects of Vigamox include:

• Blurred vision.
• Dry eyes.
• Eye irritation.
• Eye pain or itching.
• Watery eyes.
• Flu-like symptoms such as a cough, and sinus.
• Middle ear infection.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Vigamox. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reaction: hives, rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, tongue, or neck.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Vigamox. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Vigamox, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if any of the following apply to you:

• Vigamox should not be used if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or related medications including ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, or others.
• Do not take Vigamox eye drops if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It only treats bacterial infections.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses until you no longer have an eye infection.

If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional since Vigamox is not safe for you to consume.

• A severe allergy or hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

It may take a few days for your pink eye symptoms to improve once you begin using Vigamox. Even if your eye infection improves, it's critical to take Vigamox exactly as prescribed and complete the entire treatment term (usually 7 days). This will assist in ensuring that your eye infection is treated effectively.

When Vigamox is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Do not use this medication if you have previously experienced an adverse response to it or other comparable medicines.
• Vigamox-like medications include gatifloxacin ophthalmic (Zymar), gatifloxacin (Tequin), ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin ophthalmic (Ocuflox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin ophthalmic (Chibroxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), levofloxacin ophthalmic (Quixin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and lomefloxacin (Maxaquin).

Vigamox is available in the following dosage form:

0.5% moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution

The normal dose is to instill one drop in the affected eye(s) three times per day for seven days.

Store your eye drops at room temperature and keep them out of reach of children.

Alcon, a division of Novartis, is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Vigamox.

There are several lower-cost generics of Vigamox available.

Even if your symptoms have gone away and you feel better after the first few doses, continue to use this medication for the duration of your therapy to completely clear up your eye infection. If you stop using the medication too soon, your infection may not clear up.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risks. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.