Vigamox vs Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Vigamox vs Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) – detailed comparison:

Vigamox

It is the brand name of a medication called moxifloxacin, which belongs to the class of medications known as fluoroquinolones.

It works by binding to topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, essential bacterial enzymes involved in the translation, replication, repair, and recombination of deoxyribonucleic acid.

The medication is produced by Alcon, part of Novartis International. It was originally approved for use in the United States by the US FDA in 1999.

Uses

This fluoroquinolone is commonly prescribed for an eye infection known as conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva – the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

Usually, this condition does not affect vision, and it will clear in most sufferers without medical care, however, bacterial conjunctivitis needs medical treatment with antibiotic ointment or eye drops.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis may include the following:

  • redness, due to irritation of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva;
  • swelling, due to rubbing or inflammation;
  • a shiny eye, as the tear glands become overactive;
  • a crusty coating on the eyelashes, especially on waking after a long sleep;
  • soreness, like sand in the eye.

Important note – this fluoroquinolone will not treat a fungal or viral eye infection because it is used in treating only bacterial conjunctivitis.

Dosage

This fluoroquinolone comes in the form of eye drops. Apply one drop to the affected eye(s) 3 times a day for 7 days.

Stopping the use of this eye drop too soon may lead to a relapse of the infection. Hence, for optimal results, it is suggested to use this fluoroquinolone exactly as your healthcare provider has recommended.

To avoid contamination, it is recommended not to let the dropper tip touch any surface. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this fluoroquinolone and wait at least twenty minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Side Effects And Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • burning and stinging of the eye;
  • watery eyes;
  • redness of the eye;
  • blurred vision.

Less common side effects may include:

  • eye discharge;
  • sensitivity to light;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • eye pain;
  • spots on the cornea;
  • abdominal cramps;
  • nausea;
  • swelling of the cornea.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

It is not known whether this fluoroquinolone passes into breast milk or could hurt a breastfeeding infant. Talk to your healthcare provider before breastfeeding a baby while taking this medication.

It is also not known exactly whether this fluoroquinolone will harm an unborn baby. Therefore, don’t use this fluoroquinolone without first talking to your healthcare professional if you’re pregnant or plan to fall pregnant.

Ciprofloxacin

It is the generic name of a brand medication called Cipro, and it belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infections.

The US Food and Drug Administration originally approved this fluoroquinolone in 1987 for Bayer Healthcare.

Uses

This prescription medication is used to treat numerous bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia.

Dosage

The dose of this fluoroquinolone will be different for different sufferers. Follow your healthcare provider’s orders or the directions on the label.

Except for children with a few serious infections, no one younger than 18 should take this fluoroquinolone. Also, avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds since this fluoroquinolone can make you sunburn more easily.

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Side Effects and Precautions of Cipro

Common side effects may include:

  • abnormal liver function tests;
  • headaches;
  • vaginal itching or discharge;
  • stomach pain;
  • diarrhea;
  • vomiting;
  • nausea.

Rare side effects may include:

  • feeling restless or nervous;
  • diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
  • severe stomach pain;
  • trouble sleeping;
  • fast or pounding heartbeats;
  • anxiety;
  • shortness of breath;
  • breathing problems;
  • fluttering in your chest;
  • tremors;
  • confusion;
  • muscle weakness;
  • paranoia;
  • little or no urination;
  • hallucinations;
  • thoughts about hurting yourself;
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • depression;
  • increased hunger;
  • nightmares;
  • feeling anxious or shaky;
  • ringing in your ears;
  • pain behind your eyes.

To make sure that this fluoroquinolone is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

  • a muscle or nerve disorder, such as myasthenia gravis;
  • arthritis or other joint problems (especially in children);
  • seizures or epilepsy;
  • kidney disease;
  • low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia);
  • a head injury or brain tumor;
  • heart problems;
  • long QT syndrome (affecting you or a family member).

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Doctors do know that this fluoroquinolone passes into breast milk, therefore, it is not safe to take if you are breastfeeding.

However, it is unknown whether this medication is safe to take during pregnancy. Therefore, before taking this fluoroquinolone, women should let their healthcare provider know if they are pregnant.

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Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:

  • products that contain caffeine;
  • a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug;
  • a water pill (diuretic);
  • a blood thinner, like – warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
  • a tricyclic antidepressant;
  • coreg (carvedilol);
  • tizanidine (Zanaflex);
  • methotrexate (Trexall);
  • theophylline, like – Theo-24, Theochron, Elixophyllin, Theolair;
  • metoclopramide (Reglan, Reglan ODT);
  • glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Glucovance);
  • ropinirole (Requip);
  • keppra;
  • phenytoin (Cerebyx, Extended Phenytoin Sodium, Phenytek);
  • clozapine (Clozaril, Fazaclo ODT);
  • a medicine to control your heart rate or rhythm;
  • omeprazole (Prilosec);
  • an antipsychotic medicine;
  • cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sangcya);
  • sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio);
  • a steroid medicine;
  • pentoxifylline (Trental);
  • lidocaine (Xylocaine intravenous infusion);
  • probenecid (Probalan).

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Bottom Line – Vigamox vs Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Vigamox (active ingredient – moxifloxacin) is a quinolone antibiotic that is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections, especially bacterial infections of the eyes.

Note- it will not work for flu, colds, or other viral infections.

Ciprofloxacin (brand name – Cipro) is an antibiotic that fights pathogenic bacteria in the body. It is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.

According to a 2005 study that was done at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA, topical moxifloxacin 0.5% and ciprofloxacin 0.3% have similar efficacy in the treatment of an infection of the cornea in rabbits.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3921022/
https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/intracameral-antibiotics-what-evidence-shows-2
http://www.ascrs.org/sites/default/files/resources/JCRS_December_2014.pdf

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