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Vigamox vs. Ciloxan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) and Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) are both fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). However, there are some key differences between them. Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) is available in both brand-name and generic forms and is typically used three times a day for seven days. In contrast, Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) is available as a generic solution but its ointment form is brand-name only. Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) also treats corneal ulcers, requiring a more frequent dosing schedule, especially in the initial days of treatment. While both medications can cause eye irritation, Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) side effects include dry eye and blurry vision, whereas Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) can cause a white substance to form on corneal ulcers and a bad taste right after use. Both medications should not be used with contact lenses during treatment.

Moxifloxacin

(Vigamox)

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Ciprofloxacin

(Ciloxan)

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Summary for Vigamox

Prescription only

Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people of all ages. It's an eye drop that's placed in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day for 7 days. Side effects aren't common but can include dry eye, eye pain, eye redness, and itchy eyes. This medication is available as a brand-name and generic version.

Indications for Vigamox

Pros and Cons for Vigamox

Pros

  • Can typically start to improve symptoms in a few days
  • Generally used less often during the day than alternatives
  • Safe to use in children and infants
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Need to use 3 times a day
  • Can cause eye discomfort
  • Might be difficult for some people to use properly

Common Side Effects for Vigamox

  • Eye inflammation or redness (up to 6%)
  • Blurry vision (up to 6%)
  • Dry eye (up to 6%)
  • Eye irritation, pain, or itching (up to 6%)
  • Watery eye (up to 6%)

Warnings for Vigamox

  • For use in the eye only
  • Risk of developing new infection
  • Don't wear contact lenses
  • Severe allergic reaction

Summary for Ciloxan

Prescription only

Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) is an eye drop and eye ointment that can treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). The eye drops can also help treat corneal ulcers. This medication belongs to the drug class called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Although the ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) eye drops can be used for people of all ages, the eye ointment is approved for people who are 2 years old and older. The typical dosing varies greatly depending on the eye condition you have, what day of treatment you're on, and which formulation you're using. Side effects are often temporary; they can include eye discomfort, an aftertaste in the mouth, and itchy eye.

Indications for Ciloxan

  • Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye that's caused by a bacterial infection)
  • Corneal ulcer (keratitis) that's caused by a bacterial infection - eye drops only

Pros and Cons for Ciloxan

Pros

  • Available as eye drops and an eye ointment
  • Eye drop is available as a lower-cost generic
  • Applied directly where the infection is (in the eye)

Cons

  • Must use multiple times a day
  • Can cause temporary eye irritation
  • Ointment can be messy to use and hard to put in the eye

Common Side Effects for Ciloxan

  • Burning or discomfort in the eye
  • Crusty eyelids
  • Feeling that something is in your eye
  • Itchy eye
  • Eye redness
  • Aftertaste in the mouth
  • White crystals in the eye (eye drops for corneal ulcer only)

Warnings for Ciloxan

  • Only use on eye surface
  • Allergic reaction
  • Risk of new eye infection when used for a long time
  • White substance on eye surface (eye drops only)

Prices with our coupons for Vigamox vs. Ciloxan

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Moxifloxacin1 eye dropper / 3ml of 0.5%
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Ciprofloxacin1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.3%
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