Moxifloxacin belongs to the class of medications known as fluoroquinolones. Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics that are used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat eye infections called bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people 12 months and older. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Moxifloxacin eye drops are usually used for a period of 1 week. Use one drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day while awake, for 7 days. You should space the doses evenly throughout the day.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use it for the full length of time your doctor has recommended, even if you have started to feel better.

To use the eye drops:

• Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
• Remove the cap and place it in a clean location. To avoid possible contamination, keep the tip of the container away from contact with any surface.
• Tilt your head back and look towards the ceiling.
• With your index finger, gently pull the lower eyelid down and away from the eye to form a pouch.
• Apply one drop into the pouch but do not allow the tip of the container to touch the eye or areas around the eye.
• Gently apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye (at the bridge of the nose) for about 30 seconds. (This is called nasolacrimal occlusion.) This prevents the medication from dripping down through the tear duct and entering the bloodstream, which could cause you to experience some side effects.
• Repeat with the other eye, if prescribed by your physician.
• Wash your hands again to remove any medication.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you the correct method of applying eye drops. It is very important to avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, skin, or your eye. This contamination can result in a bacterial infection. Report any signs of an eye infection (e.g., redness, irritation, pain) to your doctor immediately.

If you miss a dose, instill it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Safely discard any medication remaining in the dropper bottle after you have used the medication for the full length of time recommended by your doctor. Discard any remaining medication 28 days after opening the bottle. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Each mL of ophthalmic solution contains 5 mg of moxifloxacin base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: boric acid, purified water, and sodium chloride. May also contain hydrochloric acid/sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.

Do not use this medication if you:

• are allergic to moxifloxacin or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to any fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin)

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abnormal skin sensation
• broken blood vessels in the eye
• changed sense of taste
• dizziness
• dry eye
• eye irritation
• eye itchiness
• headache
• mild, temporary burning and stinging with application
• nasal discomfort
• nausea
• sensation of pressure in the eye
• throat irritation
• vomiting
• watery eyes

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• eye discharge
• eye pain
• other disorders of the area around the cornea
• sensitivity to light
• spots on the cornea
• symptoms of a new eye infection (e.g., eye discharge, redness, itchiness or pain)
• swelling of the cornea
• vision changes

Stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction, e.g.:
  • abdominal cramps
  • difficulty breathing
  • nausea and vomiting
  • swelling of the face and throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Allergic reactions: Moxifloxacin may cause a skin rash and other serious allergic reactions. If you notice a skin rash, skin blisters, skin itching, or hives, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Bacterial resistance: Misuse of an antibiotic such as moxifloxacin may lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic. If this happens, the antibiotic may not work for you in the future. Although your symptoms may improve early in your course of treatment with moxifloxacin, you need to take the full course exactly as directed. Do not take moxifloxacin or other antibiotics to treat a viral infection; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and using them to treat viral infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.

Contact lenses: Avoid wearing contact lenses while you have signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis (eye infection).

New eye infections: Overgrowth of bacteria that are not affected by this medication may occur and cause a new eye infection. If you experience symptoms of a new eye infection (e.g., eye redness, discharge, pain or itching), contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 12 months old.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.