Generic Name: besifloxacin ophthalmic (BE si FLOX a sin)
Brand Names: Besivance
What is besifloxacin ophthalmic?
Besifloxacin is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Besifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.
Besifloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.
Besifloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about besifloxacin ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to besifloxacin.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Serious side effects of besifloxacin ophthalmic may include eye drainage or crusting, severe eye irritation, feeling like there is something in your eye, eye redness or swelling, fever, or any signs of new infection.
Keep using this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using besifloxacin ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.
You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye infection you are treating.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using besifloxacin ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to besifloxacin. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether besifloxacin ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether besifloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use besifloxacin ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Besifloxacin is usually given 3 times per day for 7 days. Follow your doctor's instructions. Space your doses at least 4 hours apart.
To apply the eye drops:
- Turn the bottle upside down and shake it once before each use.
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
Store besifloxacin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of besifloxacin ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while using besifloxacin ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Besifloxacin ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the medication before putting your contact lenses in.
You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye infection you are treating.
Besifloxacin ophthalmic side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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.
Less serious side effects may include:
eye redness or pain;
itchy or irritated eyes;
headache; or
blurred vision.
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.
Besifloxacin ophthalmic Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:
1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day, 4 to 12 hours apart, for 7 days.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:
1 year or older:
1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day, 4 to 12 hours apart, for 7 days.
What other drugs will affect besifloxacin ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on besifloxacin used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More besifloxacin ophthalmic resources
- Besifloxacin ophthalmic Side Effects (in more detail)
- Besifloxacin ophthalmic Dosage
- Besifloxacin ophthalmic Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Besifloxacin ophthalmic Support Group
- 1 Review for Besifloxacin - Add your own review/rating
- Besivance Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Besivance Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Besivance Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Besivance Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Besivance Consumer Overview
Compare besifloxacin ophthalmic with other medications
- Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
- Ophthalmic Surgery
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about besifloxacin ophthalmic.
See also: besifloxacin side effects (in more detail)
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