Vigamox

Vigamox is an antimicrobial drug with bactericidal activity; it belongs to the fluoroquinolone category.

The drug demonstrates a therapeutic effect on a wide range of bacteria: gram-positive and -negative, as well as acid-resistant and atypical microbes together with anaerobes: mycoplasma, chlamydia, legionella. At the same time, it affects strains of microbes that are resistant to macrolides and β-lactam antibiotics. [ 1 ]

Indications Vigamox

It is used in local therapy of conjunctivitis associated with bacteria that demonstrate sensitivity to moxifloxacin.

Release form

The product is sold in the form of eye drops – inside bottles with a capacity of 3 or 5 ml.

Pharmacodynamics

The effect of the drug develops in relation to the following categories of pathogenic microbes:

• gram-positive – pyogenic streptococci (subgroup A), Staphylococcus aureus (including colonies resistant to methicillin) and pneumococci (including colonies resistant to penicillin and macrolides);
• gram-negative – Moraxella catarrhalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae with Escherichia coli, Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Enterobacter cloacae;
• atypical - chlamydia pneumoniae or mycoplasma pneumoniae.

The following bacteria have shown sensitivity to moxifloxacin in vitro tests, but the therapeutic effect and safety in treating these infections could not be confirmed. These pathogens include:

• gram-positive elements: among them are Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis (including colonies that demonstrate sensitivity to methicillin), Streptococcus milleri, saprophytic staphylococci, St. cohnii, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and St. Haemolyticus. In addition, also Proteus vulgaris with Proteus mirabilis, as well as Providencia rettgerii or Stewartii, Enterobacter sakazaki, Enterobacter aerogenes, Morgan's bacteria, Enterobacter agglomerans and Enterobacter intermedius;
• gram-negative bacteria: Klebsiella oxytoca and whooping cough bacillus;
• anaerobes: B.eggerthii, Bacteroides ovatus with Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides distasonis with the bacterium thetayotomicron, B.uniformis with Clostridia perfringens, propionibacteria, P.asaccharolyticus, Porphyromonas spp., fusobacteria, Porphyromonas anaerobius and Porphyromonas magnus, as well as Prevotella and Cl. Ramosum;
• atypical elements: Legionella pneumophila and Caxiella burnettii.

The effect of moxifloxacin is determined by its indices in blood and tissues. The minimal effective bactericidal values are almost similar to the minimal inhibitory level. [ 2 ]

The principles of resistance development that inactivate penicillins, aminoglycosides with cephalosporins, and also tetracyclines with macrolides, do not affect the antibacterial efficacy of moxifloxacin. Cross-resistance does not develop between these categories of drugs and moxifloxacin. At the same time, no plasmid-mediated method of resistance development is observed. The frequency of resistance development concerning moxifloxacin is quite low. [ 3 ]

In vitro tests have shown that a series of successively developing mutations causes slow development of resistance to Vigamox. With repeated exposure to bacteria, moxifloxacin (at subminimal inhibitory values) slightly increases the MIC level.

Cross-resistance is observed with substances from the fluoroquinolone subgroup, but at the same time, individual anaerobes and gram-positive elements, resistant to other fluoroquinolones, continue to demonstrate sensitivity to moxifloxacin.

Dosing and administration

The medicine should be instilled into the eyes for 4 days, in the amount of 1 drop, 3 times a day. It is forbidden to touch the open tip to any foreign objects, as this can lead to bacterial contamination of the fluid.

The use of the drug in pediatrics is absolutely safe and highly effective, so it can be used without restrictions in dosages similar to those for adults.

Use Vigamox during pregnancy

The medication is prescribed only for vital indications, in the absence of results from the use of drugs from other groups.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated to use the medication in case of severe intolerance caused by its active or auxiliary elements.

Side effects Vigamox

Local side effects include itching, keratitis, dry eye mucosa, blurred vision, temporary discomfort and subconjunctival bleeding.

General manifestations occasionally occur: pharyngitis, headaches, respiratory failure, loss of consciousness and Quincke's edema.

Storage conditions

Vigamox should be stored in a closed bottle at temperatures in the range of 20-25°C.

Shelf life

Vigamox can be used for a period of 36 months from the date of release of the pharmaceutical product. The shelf life of an opened bottle is 1 month.

Analogues

An analogue of the drug is Avelox.