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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.

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) usually 3 times a day, with at least 4 hours or as many as 12 hours between each dose, or as directed by your doctor.

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 in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too soon may allow the bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor immediately 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).