Brand Names: Besivance

Generic Name: besifloxacin ophthalmic (Pronunciation: BE si FLOX a sin)

• What is besifloxacin ophthalmic (Besivance)?
• What are the possible side effects of besifloxacin ophthalmic (Besivance)?
• What is the most important information I should know about besifloxacin ophthalmic (Besivance)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using besifloxacin ophthalmic (Besivance)?
• How should I use besifloxacin ophthalmic (Besivance)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Besivance)?
• What happens if I overdose (Besivance)?
• What should I avoid while using besifloxacin ophthalmic (Besivance)?
• What other drugs will affect besifloxacin ophthalmic (Besivance)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is besifloxacin ophthalmic (Besivance)?

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 are the possible side effects of besifloxacin ophthalmic (Besivance)?

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.

Read the Besivance (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about besifloxacin ophthalmic (Besivance)?

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.