Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops are a combination medicine used to treat painful bacterial eye infections and manage post-operative eye pain without using steroids.

Drug class	Antibiotic-NSAID Combination
Type	Combination
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.5% + 0.5%
Common Indian brands	Moxicip-KT and similar
Prescription status	Prescription

What Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin is used for

Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops are prescribed by your ophthalmologist to help your eyes heal and feel better. This medicine is specifically used for:

Treating painful bacterial infections of the eye.
Managing pain after eye surgery, especially when a steroid-free option is preferred.

Bacterial eye infections can cause symptoms like redness, pain, swelling, discharge, and discomfort. After eye surgery, it’s common to experience some pain and inflammation as your eyes recover. This combination medicine helps address both the infection and the associated pain.

How it works

This eye drop contains two active medicines that work together:

Ketorolac: This is a type of medicine called a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). It works by reducing pain and inflammation (swelling, redness, and discomfort) in your eye. It does this by blocking certain natural substances in your body that cause inflammation.
Moxifloxacin: This is an antibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria that cause eye infections. It stops the bacteria from growing and multiplying, helping to clear up the infection.

By combining an NSAID with an antibiotic, Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops effectively treat the bacterial infection while also providing relief from the pain and inflammation it causes, or from the discomfort following surgery. This combination is particularly useful when a steroid-free approach to managing post-operative pain is desired.

How it’s used

Always use Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The typical dosing involves:

Instilling 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 3 to 4 times a day.

Your doctor will tell you how long you need to use these drops. It’s very important to complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared and to prevent it from returning. Do not stop using the drops without consulting your doctor.

To ensure you use your eye drops correctly and safely, please follow these steps:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the eye drop bottle.
Shake the bottle gently before each use, if instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
Hold the dropper tip directly over your eye, without touching your eye or any other surface with the tip.
Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created.
Close your eye gently for a minute or two, without blinking or squeezing, to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
If you need to use drops in both eyes, repeat the process for the other eye.
Replace the cap tightly on the bottle immediately after use.
Wash your hands again after applying the drops.

If you are using other eye medicines, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different eye drops to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Moxicip-KT and similar

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Precautions & side effects

Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops are a prescription medicine and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified ophthalmologist. Here are some important precautions to keep in mind:

Prescription Only: This medicine is available only with a prescription. Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription without consulting your doctor.
Steroid-Free Option: This combination is a steroid-free option for managing pain, particularly after eye surgery. Your doctor will decide if this is the right choice for your condition.
Do Not Touch Dropper Tip: To prevent contamination, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface.
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling the eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before reinserting your contact lenses, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to Ketorolac, Moxifloxacin, or any other medications.
Other Medical Conditions: Discuss your complete medical history with your doctor, especially if you have any other eye conditions, bleeding disorders, or other health issues.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before using this medicine.
Side Effects: Like all medicines, these eye drops can have side effects, though not everyone gets them. Common side effects might include temporary stinging, burning, or irritation in the eye after application. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, or notice any new or worsening symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
Vision: Your vision might be temporarily blurred after using the drops. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
Storage: Store the eye drops as directed on the packaging, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Understanding Eye Infections and Post-Operative Care

Our eyes are delicate organs, and sometimes they can become infected by bacteria. A bacterial eye infection can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like redness, pain, itching, swelling, and discharge. It’s important to treat these infections promptly to prevent them from becoming more serious or affecting your vision. Your ophthalmologist will diagnose the type of infection and prescribe the most appropriate treatment.

Similarly, undergoing eye surgery, while often necessary for improving vision, can naturally lead to some discomfort and inflammation during the recovery period. Managing this pain and ensuring proper healing is a crucial part of post-operative care. Your doctor will carefully consider your individual needs, and sometimes, a steroid-free option like Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin is chosen to manage pain and prevent infection after surgery.

It’s vital to understand that self-diagnosing or self-treating eye conditions can be risky. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist if you experience any eye discomfort, changes in vision, or suspect an infection. They can accurately diagnose the problem and prescribe the correct medicine, ensuring your eyes receive the best possible care.

Correct Eye Drop Application and Hygiene

Using eye drops correctly is just as important as the medicine itself. Improper application can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine or even introduce new infections. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you touch the eye drop bottle or your eyes. This simple step is crucial for preventing the spread of germs.

When applying the drops, tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket. Hold the dropper bottle upside down, directly above your eye, and squeeze out one drop. Be very careful not to let the tip of the dropper touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface. Touching the tip can contaminate the medicine, making it unsafe to use. After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out. If you need to use more than one drop in the same eye, or if you are using different eye medicines, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applications to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly. Always put the cap back on the bottle tightly immediately after use.

Maintaining good hygiene extends beyond application. Never share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms, as this can spread infections. Also, do not use eye drops that have expired or if the solution appears cloudy or discoloured. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you on when to remove them before applying drops and when it’s safe to reinsert them.

When to Seek Further Medical Help

While Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops are effective for treating bacterial infections and managing pain, it’s important to know when to contact your ophthalmologist. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Worsening Symptoms: If your eye pain, redness, swelling, or discharge gets worse despite using the drops.
New Symptoms: If you develop new symptoms such as severe headache, sudden vision changes, or seeing halos around lights.
Allergic Reaction: Signs of an allergic reaction can include severe itching, swelling of the eyelids or face, difficulty breathing, or a rash.
Severe Side Effects: If you experience any severe or unusual side effects that are not listed as common, or if common side effects become very bothersome.
Injury: If you accidentally injure your eye while applying the drops.

Always complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping the medicine too early can lead to the infection returning or becoming more difficult to treat. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are important to monitor your progress and ensure your eyes are healing correctly. Your doctor is your best resource for any concerns or questions about your eye health and treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drop used for?

Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops are used to treat painful bacterial infections of the eye and to manage pain after eye surgery, especially when a steroid-free option is preferred by your doctor.

How does Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drop work?

This medicine combines an NSAID (Ketorolac) to reduce pain and inflammation, and an antibiotic (Moxifloxacin) to kill bacteria causing the infection. Together, they treat the infection and relieve associated discomfort.

What are the common brands for Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops in India?

Common brands for Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops in India include Moxicip-KT and similar formulations.

How should I use Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops?

Typically, you should instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 3 to 4 times a day, or as directed by your ophthalmologist. Always wash your hands before and after use, and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.

Do I need a prescription for Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops?

Yes, Ketorolac + Moxifloxacin eye drops are a prescription medicine and should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

What are the key precautions I should take while using this medicine?

Always use as prescribed, do not touch the dropper tip, remove contact lenses before use (wait 15 minutes before reinserting), inform your doctor about any allergies or other medical conditions, and seek medical attention if you experience severe or worsening symptoms.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.