Besivance (besifloxacin) is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Besifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.
Besivance ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.
Besivance may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Besivance 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 Besivance 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 Besivance 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 Besivance 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.
Before using Besivance
You should not use Besivance if you are allergic to besifloxacin.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Besivance 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 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Besivance without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I use Besivance?
Use Besivance 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.
Besivance 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Besivance 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 Besivance is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid?
Do not use Besivance while you are wearing contact lenses. Besivance 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.
Besivance side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Besivance: 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:
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drainage or crusting of your eye;
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severe eye irritation after using the eye drops;
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feeling like there is something in your eye;
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severe eye redness or swelling; or
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fever, or any signs of a new infection.
Less serious Besivance side effects may include:
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eye redness or pain;
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itchy or irritated eyes;
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headache; or
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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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Besivance?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on Besivance 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.
