Ophthalmic moxifloxacin is a prescription medication that treats bacterial eye infections, including bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). It is supplied as a medicated eye drop.

Ophthalmic moxifloxacin is available in its generic form or under various brand names. It is only available via prescription. This means a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before purchase.

Ophthalmic moxifloxacin is prescribed to treat bacterial infections, primarily bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is an eye infection characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This condition is caused by various bacteria, with the most common culprits being Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus Influenzae, and Moraxella Catarrhalis. Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected eye secretions, contaminated objects, or respiratory droplets.

Its symptoms typically include redness and irritation of the eye, excessive tearing, a sticky or crusty discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, and a sensation of grittiness or foreign body in the eye. It may affect one or both eyes.

Moxifloxacin has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects do not go away within a few days, talk to your healthcare provider.

Common side effects reported from ophthalmic moxifloxacin use include:

• Irritated or itchy eyes
  
• Eye soreness or pain
  
• Eye redness
  
• Blurred or impaired vision
  
• Dry eyes
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Blurred vision that does not go away
  
• Severe eye pain or eye irritation
  
• Swelling of the eyelid
  
• Skin rash
  
• Hives
  
• Cough
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, hands, feet, or ankles
  
  

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction or overdose requiring medical treatment.

As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with moxifloxacin. This drug can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.

You should tell your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Antiviral medication
  
• Antipsychotic medication
  
• Other forms of antibiotics
  
  

This is not a complete list of all drugs that interact with moxifloxacin. Make a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements that you take before starting treatment with this drug.

You should also tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you manage.

Specifically, you should inform your healthcare provider if you have or have had the following:

• Allergic reactions to antibiotic medication
  

If you wear contact lenses, refrain from using them while managing an eye infection. Do not wear contact lenses while using moxifloxacin for treatment.

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with moxifloxacin. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and inform your healthcare provider immediately.

Ophthalmic moxifloxacin is commonly administered as a medicated eye drop solution. The prescribed dosage will depend on the patient's age and the severity of the condition requiring treatment. Adults and children should apply moxifloxacin to the affected eye—or eyes—twice daily for 7 days.

Shake the medicine well before use, and wash your hands before applying it to the eye. Check to make sure the eyedropper is not cracked or chipped. Tilt your head back and gently press on the skin under the eye to pull the eyelid away from the eyeball. Avoid touching your eye with the dropper tip. Drop the medicine into the space under your eyeball and gently close your eyes. Do not blink. Instead, close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. This helps ensure that the medicine comes into contact with the affected area. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper after use. Restore it to the dropper bottle and close it tightly. Wait at least 5 minutes before applying other eye medication, if applicable.

Do not discontinue or increase your moxifloxacin dosage without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of moxifloxacin.

Ophthalmic moxifloxacin should be stored in the containers it was supplied in. Keep these containers at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.

Do not freeze this medication.

Keep all medicines out of sight and out of the reach of children. Ensure that the caps of all medicine bottles are tightly closed and locked (if applicable).

Moxifloxacin is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed healthcare provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. You can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy, depending on the medication. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not moxifloxacin might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for moxifloxacin to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Moxifloxacin is a generic drug. It is available in its generic form or under the brand names:

• Moxeza
  
• Vigamox