There are some facts to consider before taking Vigamox eye drops, or its generic Moxifloxacin hydrochloride opthalmic solution. Vigamox is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotic in an opthalmic form and can only be taken with a prescription from a doctor. It comes from a family of wide-spectrum antibiotics called quinolones or flouroquinolones. In its opthalmic form, this antibiotic prevents bacteria from duplicating itself and multiplying, by depleting the bacteria of the vital proteins that it needs to survive. It is commonly used to treat the bacterial forms of conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, and should never be used to treat viral or fungal infections of the eye.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other broad-spectrum antibiotics, oral or opthalmic, you should consult with your doctor prior to starting Vigamox. This will help him or her determine whether or not Vigamox is right for you, and help to prevent any complications. Here is a list of medications both brand name and generic that fall under the flouroquinolone family. If you have ever had a reaction to any of these medications you should discuss it with your physician:
Zymar (gatifloxacin opthalmic)
Tequin (gatifloxacin)
Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin opthalmic)
Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
Ocuflux (ofloxacin opthalmic)
Floxacin (ofloxacin)
Chibroxin (norfloxacin opthalmic)
Noroxin (norfloxacin)
Quixin (levofloxacin opthalmic)
Levaquin (levofloxacin)
Maxaquin (lovafloxacin)
Zagam (sparfloxacin)
Trovan (trovafloxacin)
Avelox (moxifloxacin)
Quinolones are contraindicated for use by children, and especially infants, due to the increased risk of muskuloskeletal damage they can cause. These antibiotics are used only as a last resort for children, and only after other safer options have been tried and failed. Oral quinolones are also contraindicated for pregnant and nursing mothers, and fall under a pregnancy category D. These oral contraindications are mentioned here because you should be informed. It is not known if Vigamox can pass through the uterine walls during pregnancy or whether it can pass through into the breast milk when nursing. This places Vigamox into a pregnancy category C. Always consult your physician prior to taking these antibiotics in oral or opthalmic forms, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
If after consulting with your doctor, and Vigamox drops are prescribed, be sure to administer the eye drops properly. You should always wash your hand thoroughly before touching your eyes, and even more so when administering any opthalmic solutions, especially antibiotics. The dropper is sterile and care should be taken to keep it sterile. The dropper should never touch and other surfaces, including the eye, lid, lashes, fingers or even the cap. Once it touches these surfaces it is not longer sterile and can cause secondary infection. Look up towards the ceiling and hold the lower lids down and away from the eye. Apply as directed and apply gentle pressure at the inner eye for about 30-60 seconds. This will keep the medication from going into your tear duct, and possibly entering your blood stream, which can cause you to develop possible side effects. Repeat for the other eye if directed by your doctor. Carefully place cap back on dropper, and wash any excess medication off of your hands and dropper. Remember to take your drops as ordered, and always take them for the time specified by your doctor, even if you start to feel better.
Side effects are another concern that should be discussed with your physician, and although they are not common they do occur. A side effect is an adverse response to medication taken as prescribed. Side effects can be range from mild to severe, and can be temporary or permanent. These may include irritation, burning, and stinging in the eye. Other more severe reactions could be joint pains, light sensitivity, corneal spots, and corneal swelling, and should be reported to your doctor immediately. You should seek immediate medical assistance if you develop nausea, vomiting, swelling of the throat, swelling of the face, abdominal cramping, or difficulty breathing. These are all things you should consider and discuss with your doctor prior to taking Vigamox.
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