Besifloxacin Ophthalmic Suspension

Besivance® (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension) 0.6%, is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible isolates of the following bacteria:

Aerococcus viridans*
CDC coryneform group G
Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum*
Corynebacterium striatum*
Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis*
Moraxella lacunata*
Pseudomonas aeruginosa*
Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Staphylococcus hominis*
Staphylococcus lugdunensis*
Staphylococcus warneri*
Streptococcus mitis group
Streptococcus oralis
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus salivarius*

*Efficacy for this organism was studied in fewer than 10 infections.

No information provided.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to besifloxacin.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether besifloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Besifloxacin ophthalmic 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.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

• eye irritation, itching
• headache
• mild burning, redness or stinging in the eye