Vigadexa Drops

VIGADEXA DROPS by NOVARTIS INDIA LTD

VIGADEXA DROPS is a sterile ophthalmic solution manufactured by Novartis India Ltd., designed for the treatment of various eye conditions.

Composition

VIGADEXA DROPS contain two active ingredients:

• Moxifloxacin (0.5% w/v): A fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, essential enzymes for bacterial DNA replication, thereby killing the bacteria causing the infection.
• Dexamethasone (0.1% w/v): A potent corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation by blocking the release of certain chemicals in the body, such as prostaglandins, which cause pain, redness, and swelling.

Uses

VIGADEXA DROPS are primarily used for:

• Treating bacterial eye infections, including conjunctivitis and keratitis.
• Preventing and managing inflammation and bacterial infection that may occur after ocular surgery, such as cataract or corneal refractive surgery.
• Reducing associated symptoms like eye pain, redness, itching, and swelling.

Dosage and Administration

VIGADEXA DROPS are for external ophthalmic use only and should be administered as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

• Typical Dosage: Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) four times daily for 7 days for ocular infections. For post-surgical prevention, 1 drop four times daily may start one day before surgery and continue for 15 days after.
• Administration: Wash hands thoroughly before use. Tilt the head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid, and instill the prescribed number of drops. Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or any surface to prevent contamination. If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between applications. Complete the full course of treatment to prevent re-infection and antibiotic resistance.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Mild eye irritation, burning, or stinging sensation.
• Eye discomfort.
• Temporary blurred vision.
• Redness of the eye.
• Increased intraocular pressure (IOP).

Serious side effects are rare but may include severe allergic reactions (e.g., skin rash, swelling of face/lips/throat) or severe eye pain, irritation, and vision changes.

Precautions

• Allergy: Do not use if allergic to Moxifloxacin, Dexamethasone, or any other ingredients.
• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before administration and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if experiencing blurred vision after using the drops.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Use with caution in patients with a history of cataracts, glaucoma, or high intraocular pressure, as it may worsen these conditions. Prolonged use (more than 10 days) may require monitoring of IOP.
• Infections: Not effective against viral or fungal eye infections and should not be used in cases of herpes simplex virus infection or other viral/fungal/mycobacterial ocular infections.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Storage

Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and out of the reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions about VIGADEXA DROPS

VIGADEXA DROPS, manufactured by Novartis India Ltd, are ophthalmic drops combining an antibiotic (Moxifloxacin) and a corticosteroid (Dexamethasone) for eye conditions.

What are Vigadexa Drops used for?

Vigadexa Drops are used to treat bacterial eye infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis. They are also prescribed to prevent swelling and bacterial infections that may occur after eye surgery, including cataract or corneal refractive surgery.

How do Vigadexa Drops work?

Vigadexa Drops contain two active ingredients: Moxifloxacin and Dexamethasone. Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) essential for bacterial DNA replication, thereby killing the bacteria and preventing their growth. Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers, like prostaglandins, which cause redness, swelling, itching, and pain in the eyes. This combination helps manage both the infection and the associated inflammation.

What is the usual dosage of Vigadexa Drops?

The typical dosage of Vigadexa Eye Drops is one or two drops instilled into the affected eye(s) four times daily for 7 days, or as advised by your doctor. It is crucial to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or developing antibiotic resistance.

What are the possible side effects of Vigadexa Drops?

Common side effects of Vigadexa Eye Drops may include mild eye irritation or burning sensation, discomfort, redness, dryness, a feeling of a foreign body in the eye, increased tear production, blurred vision, headache, and taste changes. If these symptoms persist for a long time or become severe, it is important to consult your doctor. Serious but rare side effects can include severe allergic reactions, severe eye pain, changes in vision, or pain/swelling of tendons.

Is Vigadexa Drops safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Information regarding the safe use of Vigadexa Drops during pregnancy is limited. It is generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary and only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as determined by your doctor. For breastfeeding, caution is also advised due to a lack of sufficient information. You should discuss all risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Can Vigadexa Drops be taken with other medications?

While interactions with other eye drops are unlikely due to external use, it's important to inform your doctor about all other medicines, herbal supplements, or vitamins you are currently taking. If using other eye medications, a time gap of at least 5-10 minutes should be maintained between administrations to avoid dilution or interaction. Vigadexa Eye Drops may interact with certain HIV medications (e.g., ritonavir, cobicistat) and glaucoma medications (e.g., timolol, acetazolamide).

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be taken:

• Contact Lenses: Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before applying Vigadexa Drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
• Driving and Machinery: Vigadexa Drops may cause short-term blurring of vision. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
• Contamination: Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to avoid contamination.
• Underlying Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of cataracts, glaucoma, or high intraocular pressure, as the dexamethasone component may worsen these conditions.
• Infections: Vigadexa Drops are effective only for bacterial infections, not viral or fungal ones. Do not use if you have severe viral or fungal eye infections, including herpes simplex virus.
• Duration of Use: Do not use the drops for longer than prescribed by your doctor, as prolonged corticosteroid use can increase the risk of secondary eye infections or glaucoma.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Vigadexa Drops, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

How should it be stored?

Vigadexa Drops should be stored in a cool place, protected from light, typically at temperatures not exceeding 30°C. Do not freeze the drops. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and out of the reach and sight of children. It is generally advised to use the drops within 4 weeks of opening the bottle.