About Moxifloxacin 0.5% Eye Drops
Moxifloxacin 0.5% Eye Drops contains Moxifloxacin 0.5%. Moxifloxacin eye drops contain a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. They are used to treat bacterial infections of the surface of the eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye with sticky discharge). They do not work for viral or allergic eye problems.
Uses of Moxifloxacin 0.5% Eye Drops
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Other bacterial infections of the surface of the eye, as advised by a doctor
Benefits
In bacterial eye infections
It kills the bacteria causing the infection, which helps ease redness, discharge and discomfort. Use it for the full time advised so the infection clears properly.
Side effects
Mild stinging when the drops go in is common and passes quickly.
Common
- Eye irritation, burning or stinging
- Eye pain
- Dry or itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Unusual taste in the mouth
Get medical help if you notice
- Swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction) — stop using it and seek emergency care
- Worsening eye pain, changes in vision or the eye getting worse — contact your doctor straight away
How to use
Use it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Wash your hands. Tilt your head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid and put one drop into the pocket. Close your eye and press gently on the inner corner for about a minute. Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye or anything else. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them. Do not wear contact lenses while you have an eye infection.
How it works
It blocks enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) that bacteria need to copy their DNA, so the bacteria cannot multiply and die.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known.
Pregnancy Caution
Very little reaches the bloodstream from eye drops. Use it in pregnancy only if your doctor advises.
Breastfeeding Caution
Very little reaches the bloodstream from eye drops. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
Your vision may be blurred for a short time after using the drops. Wait until your vision is clear before driving.
Kidney Safe
Very little is absorbed from eye drops, so no dose change is expected.
Liver Safe
Very little is absorbed from eye drops, so no dose change is expected.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not use extra drops to make up.
Quick tips
- Use the drops for the full time your doctor advised, even if your eye looks better.
- Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or fingers.
- Do not share your eye drops with anyone.
- Throw the bottle away after the time stated on the pack once opened.
- See your doctor if your eye is not better after a few days.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Fluoroquinolone
- Therapeutic class
- Ophthalmological / anti-infective
- Action class
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (eye drops)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other eye drops or eye ointments | Use them at least 5 minutes apart, with ointments last |
| Steroid eye drops | Use together only if your doctor has prescribed both |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Moxifloxacin 0.5% eye drops prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA labelling for moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5%). Pharmacist review pending.