Vigamox alternative?

[yarrow]

A few ever-so-lucky people get tendinitis from fluoroquinolone antibiotics.  My rheumatologist confirmed that I am one of them, since I developed painful, long-lasting tendinitis while on Cipro--and then a flareup later while using VIgamox and not yet understanding the possible connection.

Now I am scheduled for cataract surgery, and in the presurgical packet I received this weekend, there is an rx for Vigamox, even though I requested that a note about the Cipro/Vigamox problem be placed in my file.

I know the fluoroquinolones are appealing to docs because they are so tremendously effective, but for people who cannot tolerate them, are there acceptable substitutes?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Sure, you can subsititute another antibiotic (if you can tolerate these drops) such as Tobramycin or Polytrim.  For about one patient a week, I have to substitute Tobramycin for my usual floroquinolone Zymar, because the patient has a allergic history.  Talk to your surgeon. There should be no problem making the switch here if needed.

MJK MD

[yarrow]

Thanks, Dr. Kutryb!  I'll jot down those names and talk with my surgeon.