Besifloxacin (Eye Drop (suspension))

Besifloxacin is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, especially when other similar antibiotics might not be effective.

Drug class	Antibiotic (Fluoroquinolone)
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop (suspension)
Common strength	0.6%
Common Indian brands	Besivance (limited availability in India)
Prescription status	Prescription

What Besifloxacin is used for

Besifloxacin is an anti-infective medicine, specifically an antibiotic, used in the form of eye drops. It is prescribed by an ophthalmologist to treat certain eye conditions caused by bacteria.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: This is an infection of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids. It often causes redness, itching, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye.

Your doctor may specifically choose Besifloxacin when there is a suspicion that bacteria might be resistant to other commonly used fluoroquinolone antibiotics. This means it is reserved for situations where other treatments might not work as well.

How it works

Besifloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by stopping the growth and killing the bacteria that cause eye infections. What makes Besifloxacin unique is that it was specifically developed only for use in the eye. This targeted development means that bacteria are less likely to have developed resistance to it compared to some other fluoroquinolone antibiotics that are also used for infections in other parts of the body. By effectively eliminating the bacteria, it helps to clear up the infection and relieve your eye symptoms.

How it’s used

Besifloxacin is available as an eye drop suspension. It is very important to use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist.

The typical dosing for Besifloxacin eye drops is:

• 1 drop 3 times a day.

Always remember to shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the medicine is properly mixed. Your doctor will tell you for how long you need to use these drops. Do not stop using the drops even if your symptoms improve, unless advised by your doctor, as stopping early can lead to the infection returning.

For proper instillation of eye drops, please follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the eye drop bottle.
2. Shake the bottle well before each use.
3. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
4. Hold the dropper tip directly over your eye, being careful not to touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface with the tip. This prevents contamination.
5. Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created.
6. Close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking or rubbing your eye vigorously.
7. If you need to use more than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5-10 minutes between drops to allow the first drop to be absorbed.
8. If you are using other eye medicines, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different types of drops.
9. Replace the cap tightly on the bottle immediately after use.
10. Wash your hands again after applying the drops.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

• Besivance (limited availability in India)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Precautions & side effects

When using Besifloxacin eye drops, it is important to be aware of certain precautions to ensure safe and effective treatment:

• Shake well before use: As Besifloxacin is an eye drop suspension, it is crucial to shake the bottle thoroughly before each application to ensure the medicine is evenly distributed and you receive the correct dose.
• Reserved for resistant infections: This medicine is often reserved for specific situations where your doctor suspects the bacteria causing your eye infection might be resistant to other common antibiotics. Do not request this medicine specifically unless your ophthalmologist determines it is necessary.
• Prescription medicine: Besifloxacin is a prescription-only medicine. It must only be used under the direct supervision and guidance of a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription without consulting your doctor.
• Not routinely available in India: Please note that Besifloxacin (Besivance) has limited availability and is not routinely approved or available in India. Your ophthalmologist will be able to advise you on suitable and approved alternative treatments that are readily available. This information is provided for reference.
• Avoid contamination: Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface. This can contaminate the eye drops and lead to further infection.
• Contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the eye drops. Your doctor will advise you when it is safe to reinsert them, which is usually after the infection has cleared.
• Allergic reactions: If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
• Vision changes: If your vision worsens or you experience new or unusual eye pain, redness, or irritation that persists or gets worse, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
• Complete the full course: Even if your symptoms improve, do not stop using the eye drops before completing the full course prescribed by your doctor. Stopping early can lead to the infection returning or becoming more difficult to treat.
• Storage: Store the medicine as directed by your pharmacist or doctor, usually at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children.

Understanding Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis, often simply called ‘pink eye,’ is a common eye infection that affects the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye (sclera) and the inside of your eyelids. When bacteria infect this membrane, it becomes inflamed, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. You might notice redness in one or both eyes, making them appear ‘pink’ or ‘red.’ Other common symptoms include a gritty feeling, itching, burning, and a discharge from the eye. This discharge can be watery, but often it’s thicker, yellowish, or greenish, especially in the morning, causing your eyelids to stick together. Your eyes might also feel sensitive to light. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious, meaning it can easily spread from one person to another, often through direct contact with eye secretions or contaminated objects. This is why good hygiene practices are crucial when you or someone in your household has the infection. While often mild, it’s important to get it diagnosed and treated by an ophthalmologist to prevent complications and ensure a speedy recovery. Your doctor will determine if an antibiotic like Besifloxacin is the right treatment for your specific type of infection.

Correctly Using Eye Drops for Effective Treatment

Using eye drops correctly is vital for the medicine to work effectively and to prevent contamination. Many people find applying eye drops a bit tricky at first, but with a little practice, it becomes easy. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This is the most important step to prevent introducing more germs into your eye. If your eye drops are a suspension, like Besifloxacin, remember to shake the bottle well before each use. This ensures the medicine is evenly mixed. When applying the drop, tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper bottle upside down, directly above your eye, making sure the tip does not touch your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes. Touching the tip can contaminate the entire bottle, making the medicine unsafe to use. Gently squeeze the bottle to release a single drop into the pocket. After the drop is in, close your eye gently for about one to two minutes. Avoid blinking rapidly or squeezing your eyes shut tightly, as this can push the medicine out of your eye. If you need to apply more than one drop in the same eye, or if you are using different types of eye drops, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applications. This allows each drop to be absorbed properly without being washed away by the next. Finally, replace the cap tightly on the bottle and wash your hands again. Following these steps carefully will help ensure the medicine works as intended and helps you recover faster.

General Hygiene, Storage, and When to Seek Medical Help

Maintaining good hygiene is paramount when dealing with eye infections, especially bacterial conjunctivitis, to prevent its spread and recurrence. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your eyes or applying eye drops. Avoid rubbing your infected eye, as this can worsen irritation and spread the infection. Do not share towels, pillowcases, eye makeup, or eye drops with anyone, as these can easily transmit bacteria. If you wear contact lenses, your ophthalmologist will likely advise you to stop wearing them until the infection has completely cleared and may suggest discarding your current lenses and lens case to prevent reinfection. Replacing eye makeup, especially mascara and eyeliner, after an eye infection is also a good practice. Proper storage of your eye medicine is also important. Always store Besifloxacin eye drops as directed by your pharmacist or doctor, typically at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. It is crucial to know when to seek medical help. While Besifloxacin is prescribed to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, if your symptoms do not improve within a few days of starting the drops, or if they worsen, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Also, seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, extreme sensitivity to light, or if your eye becomes very swollen. Remember, this information is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions for your specific condition and treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions

What is Besifloxacin used for?

Besifloxacin is an antibiotic eye drop primarily used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, an infection of the eye. It is often chosen when there's a suspicion that bacteria might be resistant to other common antibiotics.

How does Besifloxacin work?

Besifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by killing the bacteria causing the eye infection. It was developed specifically for eye use, which helps reduce the likelihood of bacteria being resistant to it.

What are the common brands of Besifloxacin available in India?

In India, Besifloxacin is known by the brand name Besivance, but its availability is limited. Your ophthalmologist will guide you on approved and readily available alternatives if needed.

How should I use Besifloxacin eye drops?

You should use Besifloxacin exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The typical dose is 1 drop, 3 times a day. Remember to shake the bottle well before each use and follow proper eye drop instillation techniques to avoid contamination.

Do I need a prescription for Besifloxacin?

Yes, Besifloxacin is a prescription-only medicine. You must use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

What are the key precautions I should take while using Besifloxacin?

Key precautions include shaking the bottle well before use, using it only for resistant infections as advised by your doctor, and remembering that it is a prescription medicine. Also, be aware that its availability in India is limited, and your doctor may suggest alternatives.

References

1. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) – American Academy of Ophthalmology
2. Conjunctivitis – MedlinePlus
3. Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
4. Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
5. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

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Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.