Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 0.6% (5mL)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
1 gtt in affected eye(s) three times daily (4-12 hours apart) for7 days
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 0.6% (5mL)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
< 1 year
- Safety & efficacy not established
> 1 year
- 1 gtt in affected eye(s) three times daily (4-12 hours apart) for7 days
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (0)
Monitor Closely (0)
Minor (0)
Adverse Effects
1-10%
Blurred vision
Conjunctival redness
Eye irritation
Eye pain
Eye pruritus
Headache
Warnings
Contraindications
None listed by the manufacturer
Cautions
May result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi
Avoid contact lenses during treatment of infections
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
There are no available human data during pregnancy to inform any drug-associated risks; however, systemic exposure to besifloxacin from ocular administration is low; oral administration of besifloxacin to pregnant rats during organogenesis or during pre/postnatal period did not produce adverse embryofetal or offspring effects at clinically relevant systemic exposures
Lactation
There are no data on presence of drug in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production; however, systemic exposure to besifloxacin following topical ocular administration is low, and it is not known whether measurable levels of besifloxacin would be present in maternal milk following topical ocular administration
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered, along with mother’s clinical need for therapy, and any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant from treatment
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Bactericidal
Inhibits DNA-gyrase (a topoisomerase) in susceptible organisms, which in turn inhibits cell division.
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life: 7 hr
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Besivance ophthalmic (eye) - | 0.6 % drops |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
besifloxacin ophthalmic (eye)
BESIFLOXACIN SUSPENSION - OPHTHALMIC
(BE-si-FLOX-a-sin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Besivance
USES: This medication is used to treat bacterial eye infections. Besifloxacin belongs to a class of drugs known as quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections (such as infections caused by viruses, fungi, mycobacteria). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
HOW TO USE: To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine or while you have the bacterial eye infection. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.Before use, hold the closed dropper bottle upside down and shake once to mix. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place a finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than 1 drop and for your other eye if so directed. This medication is used in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day (with at least 4 hours or as many as 12 hours between each dose).Your dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment.If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor right away if your condition does not improve in a few days or if you develop new or worsening eye symptoms (such as discharge, swelling, redness, pain).
SIDE EFFECTS: Temporary eye redness/itching/pain or temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat/eye/eyelid), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using besifloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Throw away the unused medication after treatment is completed. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised October 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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