Moxifloxacin Ophthalmic Solution
Moxifloxacin is an FDA-approved commercial antibiotic, dispensed by Mixlab for veterinary use as an oral tablet or an ophthalmic solution. Available by prescription.
How to Give Your Pet Eye Drops (Ophthalmic Solutions)
Eye drops are liquid medications used to treat your pet’s eye conditions. They’re clear, gentle, and effective with the right technique. With a bit of practice, you and your pet will get the hang of it!
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Wash Your Hands: Start clean to avoid germs.
- Get Your Pet Comfortable: Sit your dog or wrap your cat in a towel (“kitty burrito”) to keep them still. A helper can gently steady the head.
- Clean the Eye (if needed): Use a damp cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe any discharge.
- Position the Bottle: Hold the bottle in your dominant hand. Use the other hand to tilt your pet’s head and gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- Apply the Drops: Hold the bottle close (but not touching the eye) and squeeze in the prescribed number of drops. Aim for the center of the eye or into the pocket.
- Let Your Pet Blink: Blinking helps spread the medication. Gently blot away excess drops.
- Repeat for the Other Eye (if needed): Use the same care and steps.
- Prevent Rubbing: Hold your pet briefly to stop rubbing. Offer gentle praise or a treat!
- Multiple Eye Meds?: Wait 5–10 minutes between different meds. Use watery drops before thicker ointments, unless told otherwise.
- Store Properly: Recap the bottle and store it as directed (usually at room temp).
The uses and pharmacology described below reflect the FDA-approved labeling for this active ingredient; your veterinarian determines whether and how they apply to your animal's treatment plan.
Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. On the FDA-approved human label, it works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes bacteria rely on to replicate and repair their DNA, which interferes with bacterial cell division.
In veterinary medicine, moxifloxacin is used off-label as an antibiotic in dogs and cats, given either by mouth or applied to the eye depending on the form dispensed. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing, or monitoring.
Fluoroquinolones such as moxifloxacin are generally avoided in young, growing animals because of potential effects on developing cartilage. Use with caution in animals with a history of seizures. When given orally, avoid dosing at the same time as antacids, sucralfate or products containing calcium, magnesium, iron or zinc, which can reduce absorption. When used as an ophthalmic solution, avoid letting the applicator tip touch the eye or surrounding tissue, and discontinue use and contact your veterinarian if irritation worsens. Report any signs of tendon or joint discomfort to your veterinarian promptly.
Yes. Moxifloxacin is available only by prescription from a licensed veterinarian.
The active ingredient has an FDA-approved human label. Mixlab dispenses the commercial oral tablet or ophthalmic solution under a licensed veterinarian's prescription for use in animals.
They contain the same active ingredient but are formulated for different routes of administration — the tablet is given by mouth, while the ophthalmic solution is applied to the eye. Your veterinarian will prescribe the form that fits your pet's treatment plan.
Your veterinarian determines whether moxifloxacin is appropriate for your pet's species, size and health status.
