Besifloxacin: what it is and when you might need it
Besifloxacin is an eye drop antibiotic used mainly for bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). It’s a topical fluoroquinolone designed to knock out common bacterial offenders right at the surface of the eye. If your eyes have thick yellow or green discharge, crusting that sticks your eyelids shut, or a one-eye-to-both-eyes spread over a day or two, a doctor may prescribe besifloxacin.
How to use besifloxacin safely
The usual product (0.6% ophthalmic suspension) is applied only to the infected eye. For adults and children 1 year and older, the common schedule is one drop in the affected eye(s) every two hours while awake for the first 2 days, then one drop four times a day for the next 5 days — a 7-day course total. Follow your prescriber’s instructions exactly. Don’t stop early even if you feel better; stopping can let the infection return and encourage resistance.
Before putting drops in, wash your hands. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid, place a drop, then close your eye gently for a minute. Avoid touching the bottle tip to your eye or lashes. If you wear contacts, remove them before use and don’t put them back in until the infection clears and your clinician says it’s okay.
Side effects, precautions, and when to call your doctor
Most people only get mild irritation, a bitter taste, temporary blurred vision, or mild redness. If you notice severe eye pain, worsening vision, intense light sensitivity (photophobia), or signs of an allergic reaction like swelling or breathing trouble, seek immediate care. Don’t use besifloxacin if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to fluoroquinolones.
Systemic side effects are rare because very little drug is absorbed into the body from the eye. Still, mention other eye conditions, recent eye surgery, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding when talking to your provider. Avoid using other eye drops within five minutes of applying besifloxacin unless told otherwise.
Many pink eyes are viral or allergic and won’t improve with antibiotics. Viral conjunctivitis usually causes watery discharge and often spreads from one eye to the other quickly; allergies usually itch strongly and are linked to other allergy symptoms. If you’re unsure, get an exam — the right diagnosis prevents unnecessary antibiotic use and saves time.
Buy besifloxacin only from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription. Beware of unregulated online sellers and foreign products that may be counterfeit. Store the bottle at room temperature and check the label for how long to keep it once opened—some bottles should be discarded after two weeks.
If symptoms don’t start to improve within 48–72 hours of starting the drops, or if they get worse, contact your healthcare provider. Quick action and correct use usually clear bacterial conjunctivitis fast and reduce the chance of spreading it to others.
