The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moxeza (moxifloxacin hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), a topical fluoroquinolone anti-infective indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.
What is Moxeza?
Moxeza is an antibiotic.
Moxeza is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.
Moxeza may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with Moxeza. You should not wear contact lenses if you have signs or symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis.
Before using Moxeza
Do not use Moxeza if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. Do not use Moxeza if you have had an allergic reaction to it or other similar medicines in the past. Medicines similar to Moxeza 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), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and moxifloxacin (Avelox). Moxeza is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Moxeza without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Moxeza passes into breast milk. Do not use Moxeza without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Moxeza?
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Moxeza. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.
To apply the eye drops:
- Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct.
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store Moxeza at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of this medication is unlikely to threaten life. If an overdose is suspected or if the drops are ingested, call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.
What should I avoid?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Moxeza may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Moxeza. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with Moxeza unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Moxeza side effects
Serious side effects are not expected to occur during treatment with this medication.
Some eye burning, stinging, irritation, itching, dryness, redness, tearing; or blurred vision may occur.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Moxeza dosing information
Usual Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:
1 drop in the affected eye(s) 2 times daily for 7 days.
What other drugs will affect Moxeza?
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with Moxeza unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Moxeza. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
