Antibiotics of the quinolone genre are capable of treating a wide range of microbial infections. The most common sites of infections include skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system, urinary tract and eyes. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics – such as moxifloxacin – are prescribed to treat infections in sinus cavities, respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. These antibiotics are administered when other drugs fail to yield needful results. In case of infections in the eyes, moxifloxacin eye drops (an ophthalmic solution) is administered. Before applying these eye drops, ask your prescribing doctor or pharmacist about its capabilities and uses.
Moxifloxacin has a wide spectrum of treatment capabilities; it gets down to the cell-level DNA of bacteria and damages further growth. The unfurling of its DNA’s double helix structure is essential for each microbe to reproduce by replicating its own self. This drug blocks an enzyme which is responsible for this untying of the intertwined, helical structure. Once needful enzyme supply is denied, each microbial cell is prevented from growing. This action leads to a rupture, and eventually destroys the microbe.
In case of infections in the eyes, moxifloxacin is applied in the form of an ophthalmic solution or eye drops. These drops are widely applied to treat ophthalmic conditions like conjunctivitis. A distinctive sign of this condition is the discoloration of eyes. It is common to notice your eyes turning pink; this is mainly due to bacterial infections of the membrane which shield the outer layer of your eyeball. This is the same membrane which also protects the inner side of eyelids.
Incidence of conjunctivitis can also lead to itchiness, shedding more tears, mild levels of irritation inside your eyes, painful sensation while batting your eyelids, etc. In some cases, it also triggers a few allied reactions such as discharge of mucus through nasal passages, dryness of eye, coughing spells, etc. In one-off instances, conjunctivitis has also led to some damages to the vessels carrying blood to the eyes.
Uses of moxifloxacin as an ophthalmic solution
Food and drug administration (FDA) in the US has cleared the use of moxifloxacin eye drops for the treatment of conjunctivitis. The solution is used in managing irritation in eyes, reddening of eyes, itchiness and development of a sensitive feeling in the areas surrounding your eyes. Bacterial infections in the eyes are mostly observed on the inner walls of your eyelids; this is also the outer side of the eyeballs. These eye drops also can soothe the eyes. After the first few doses, you may start feeling a reduction in pains as well as a gradual decrease of pinkish shade in the eyes.
Use of moxifloxacin eye drops is usually for 5 to 6 days. Though it can be used to people belonging to all age groups, its use is not advised onto very young children. It is a safe practice to read the contents printed on the pack before starting to use it. You may also need to apply it by adhering to standard safety instructions. For instance, it is very unsafe to touch the dropper with bare hands. You are advised to wash your hands properly before using the pack. Also, the dropper must never come in touch with your eyeballs; this may only worsen your infections and may also damage the eyeballs.
The eye doctor or specialist may tell you to close your eyes for a few minutes – say, about 7 to 8 minutes – soon after applying these drops. This practice can get the solution to reach the infected parts of the eyes. It is unsafe to blink or wink often; these actions may make the eye drops to get scattered, and can also bring down the efficacy of the drug.
Other safety precautions associated with the use of moxifloxacin
Use of moxifloxacin among women who are pregnant or nursing a baby is not advised. Hence, it becomes essential to inform your treating physician about your current medical condition, clinical history as well as treatment plans presently pursued. It is a good practice to make a list of all the medications you are presently taking. As you make this list – ensure to include over the counter (OTC) drugs, prescription medicines, proteins, vitamins, other nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, herbal aids, etc.
Last but not least, you need to store these eye drops in a safe place. You may either keep it at room temperature or have it safely stored in a refrigerator. While using the refrigerator, never store it inside the freezer. Talk to your pharmacist to know about the right practices to store this drug.
In sum, moxifloxacin eye drops / ophthalmic solution has the approval of food and drug administration (FDA) for treating conjunctivitis – a condition caused by bacterial infections in the eyes. These eye drops are known to work well in healing symptoms of conjunctivitis such as irritation, itchy feeling, reddening of eyes, etc. The solution can bring about needful relief by soothing the eyes and by reducing pains. Consult your eye doctor or pharmacist to know about the other likely uses of this antibacterial eye drops.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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