Besifloxacin ophthalmic

Generic name: besifloxacin ophthalmic [ BE-si-FLOX-a-sin ]
Brand name: Besivance
Dosage form: ophthalmic suspension (0.6%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 16, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is besifloxacin ophthalmic?

Besifloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Besifloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Besifloxacin ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Besifloxacin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• drainage or crusting of your eye;

• severe eye irritation after using the eye drops;

• feeling like there is something in your eye;

• severe eye redness or swelling; or

• fever, or any signs of a new infection.

Common side effects of besifloxacin ophthalmic may include:

• eye redness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

azithromycin ophthalmic, ciprofloxacin ophthalmic, levofloxacin ophthalmic, erythromycin ophthalmic, gentamicin ophthalmic

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I use besifloxacin ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in besifloxacin ophthalmic could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Turn the bottle upside down and shake it once before each use.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature. Protect from light and do not freeze.

Besifloxacin ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day, 4 to 12 hours apart, for 7 days.

Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible isolates of Aerococcus viridans, CDC coryneform group G, Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, C striatum, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella lacunata, M catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, S epidermidis, S hominis, S lugdunensis, S warneri, Streptococcus mitis group, S oralis, S pneumoniae, S salivarius

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

1 year or older: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day, 4 to 12 hours apart, for 7 days.

Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible isolates of A viridans, CDC coryneform group G, C pseudodiphtheriticum, C striatum, H influenzae, M lacunata, M catarrhalis, P aeruginosa, S aureus, S epidermidis, S hominis, S lugdunensis, S warneri, S mitis group, S oralis, S pneumoniae, S salivarius

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of besifloxacin ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using besifloxacin ophthalmic?

You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of an eye infection.

What other drugs will affect besifloxacin ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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