Vigamox Ophthalmic Eye Drops: A solution to bacterial infections

Vigamox Ophthalmic Eye Drops are used to treat bacterial infections in the eye. It should not be used for fungal or viral infections.

Moxifloxacin was first patented in the United States, in 1991 by Bayer A.G., and then again in 1997. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration then approved the drug, Avelox for use in 1999. Moxifloxacin is also produced by Alcon, as Vigamox.
 

What is the composition of Vigamox Ophthalmic Eye Drops?

Vigamox composes of the following active and inactive ingredients:

Active: Moxifloxacin (0.5%), Inactives: Boric Acid, Sodium Chloride, and purified water. It also consists of hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH to 6.8.

What is an Eye infection?

An eye infection is a condition in which bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms may attack the eye.

Bacterial infections in the eye are the most common type of infection. They have simple treatments and are often treated with regular antibiotics and eye drops. It causes the eyes to turn pink or itchiness. The infection is often observed on the following parts of the eye:

Eyelids

Cornea: A clear surface that covers the surface of the iris

Conjunctiva: A thin tissue that covers the surface of the eye and its function is to keep the surface of the eye moist.

Types of Eye Infection

Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye: It is an infection of the conjunctiva. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, an allergy or irritants. It makes the eye appear pink or red. In adults, it is mostly caused by a virus, and in children, it is caused by bacteria.

Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea caused by bacteria, or viruses results in a condition known as Keratitis. It is common in people that do not wear contact lenses.

Stye: They are painful red bumps under the eyelid or at the base of your eyelashes. This is caused due to bacterias that infect the oil glands around your eyelid or eyelashes. Styes are similar to a  pimple in shape and size and are not contagious.

Fungal Eye Infections: Infections that occur due to fungal infections, are quite rare but can be serious. They are caused due to eye injuries or unclean contact lenses.

Uveitis: inflammation in the middle layer of the eye, uvea, causes Uveitis. Viruses like herpes or autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause Uveitis.

Blepharitis: Inflammation of the base of the eyelashes caused due to bacteria.

What are The Symptoms of Eye Infection?

• Pain
• Itchiness
• Swollen, red or purple eyelids
• Watery Eyes
• Blurring vision
• Constant Watering
• Chronic Redness
• Sensitivity to light
• Swelling
• Dryness
• Irritation

How does Vigamox Moxifloxacin work?

Moxifloxacin, an active ingredient of Vigamox is a sterile ophthalmic, 8-methoxy fluoroquinolone anti-infective for ophthalmic use. The antibacterial action of moxifloxacin is due to the inhibition of topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV. DNA gyrase is an enzyme that is responsible for the replication, transcription and repair of bacterial DNA. Topoisomerase IV is an enzyme that plays an essential role in partitioning the chromosomal DNA during bacterial cell division. It provides prolonged contact with the ocular surface that ensures a longer duration of action.

How are Vigamox Ophthalmic Eye drops used?

Use eye drops as directed by your doctor. Adhere to the instructions on the prescription. Use the medicine in amounts advised by the doctor, and do not use the eye drops longer than the prescribed time.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before you use the drops. Ask the doctor if the contact lenses can be reinserted after the medication has been applied.

Wash your hands before using the drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back and slightly pull down your eyelid to create a small pocket. The dropper should be held above the eye with the tip facing down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a few drops.
• Close your eyes for a few minutes with your head tipped down, and refrain from blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for one minute, to make sure the eyes absorb the drop.
• The number of drops should be as prescribed by your doctor. If you use more than one drop, wait for five minutes between each drop.
• Wait for ten minutes to use any other eye drops prescribed by your doctor.

Do not touch the tip of the dropper or place it directly in your eye. Severe vision problems can be caused if the tip of the dropper happens to be contaminated.

Vigamox should be used for a period of seven days, put one drop in the affected eye three times a day.

Use it for the entire prescribed length of time. Do not use the drops if the liquid has changed colour or has dust particles in it. Store it away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep it closed tightly.

Vigamox Drops Side Effects

• Dry Eyes or Watery Eyes
• Pain or discomfort
• Irritation
• Mild itchiness
• Redness
• Fever, cough, sore throat or runny nose
• Burning sensation

Is Vigamox an antibiotic?

Vigamox Ophthalmic Eye Drops contain an ingredient called moxifloxacin which belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones, whose function is to kill the bacteria that causes infections.

Safety Advice

• Vigamox eye drops are unsafe to use during pregnancy. There aren't enough human studies available, but animal studies have proven that these drops are harmful to the offspring. Please consult your doctor.
• Vigamox eye drops are probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited studies have shown that it may pass into breast milk and harm the child. Please consult the doctor.
• Vigamox Eye drops may cause side effects that may affect your ability to drive. It may make you feel lightheaded or dizzy, you also might experience a sudden, transient loss of vision.

FAQs

Q1. What happens if I miss a dose?

Ans. If you miss a dose then take it as soon as you remember. Skip the dose if the time for the next dose is near. Do not use extra medicine to cover for the missed doses.

Q2. What happens if I Overdose?

Ans. An overdose of Vigamox is not dangerous. Seek immediate medical attention or call the poison helpline if anyone has swallowed the medication. In case of acute oral overdose, the stomach should be maintained and adequate hydration should be ensured. Dispensing activated charcoal as soon as possible after the oral overdose may prevent excessive increase of systemic moxifloxacin exposure.

Q3. What other drugs will affect Vigamox?

Ans. It is unlikely that any other medicines you consume orally or through injections will affect moxifloxacin in the eyes. But certain drugs might interact, therefore, always inform your doctors about the medicines or injections you take including prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal medicines too.

Q4. What should I avoid while taking Vigamox?

Ans. Avoid wearing contact lenses until the infection heals.

Vigamox may cause blurred vision, therefore, be careful while driving or performing any activity that requires you to see clearly.

Do not use other eye medications until your doctor tells you.

Warning

Do not use these

eye drops if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes. When suffering from bacterial infections, one must use vigamox eye drops.

Do not use this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to similar medicines in the past. Medicines similar to Vigamox are 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), Lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), Sparfloxacin (Zagam), Trovafloxacin (Trovan), and Moxifloxacin (Avelox).