What Is Vigamox? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Vigamox is a prescription antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. It's one of the most commonly prescribed ophthalmic antibiotics in the United States — and for good reason. This guide covers everything you need to know about Vigamox: what it is, what it treats, how to use it correctly, and what to watch out for.

What Is Vigamox?

Vigamox is the brand name for moxifloxacin hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.5%. It's a sterile, preservative-free eye drop manufactured for topical ophthalmic use. The drug belongs to the fluoroquinolone antibiotic class — specifically, it's a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone, which means it has broader antibacterial coverage than older generations.

It was originally developed and manufactured by Alcon Laboratories and is now distributed in the U.S. by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. The foundational patent expired in 2015, and generic versions are now available from multiple manufacturers.

What Does Vigamox Treat?

Vigamox is FDA-approved for one indication: bacterial conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis — commonly called pink eye — is an infection of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids). Symptoms include:

Red, pink, or bloodshot eyes

Yellow, white, or green discharge (crusty or sticky)

Eyes stuck together in the morning

Burning, gritty, or irritated feeling in the eye

Vigamox is effective against the bacteria most commonly responsible for conjunctivitis, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Important: Vigamox does NOT treat viral pink eye (the most common type) or allergic conjunctivitis. Antibiotic eye drops are only effective against bacterial infections. Using antibiotics for viral or allergic pink eye is unnecessary and contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Vigamox Dosage: How Much and How Long?

The standard dosage for Vigamox is:

Dose: 1 drop in the affected eye(s)

Frequency: 3 times per day (approximately every 8 hours)

Duration: 7 days

Formulation: 0.5% ophthalmic solution in a 3 mL dispensing bottle

This same dosage applies to adults, children, and infants 1 year of age and older. For children under 1 year, safety and efficacy of Vigamox have not been established.

How to Use Vigamox Correctly

Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the bottle.

Tilt your head back and look up.

Gently pull your lower eyelid down to create a small pocket.

Squeeze one drop into the pocket — don't let the dropper touch your eye or any surface.

Close your eye and press a finger gently to the inner corner (near the nose) for 1–2 minutes. This prevents the medication from draining into the tear duct and helps keep it in your eye.

If using multiple eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes before applying the next one.

Key Safety Facts

Not a controlled substance: Vigamox has no abuse potential; no special prescribing rules apply

Preservative-free: No benzalkonium chloride — gentler on the eye surface than many other eye drops

No contact lenses: Do not wear contact lenses during treatment; wait until the infection is fully resolved and your doctor approves resuming wear

Complete the full course: Even if your eye looks better after a few days, finish all 7 days to prevent the infection from returning

Storage: Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Is Vigamox Right for You?

If your doctor has prescribed Vigamox, it's because they determined you have a bacterial eye infection that this medication can treat. Follow the instructions exactly, watch for any concerning side effects (see our guide on Vigamox side effects), and if you're having trouble finding it at your pharmacy, use medfinder.com to locate a pharmacy with it in stock.