Common use

Besivance belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Besifloxacin fights bacteria in the body. Besivance is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Dosage and direction

Use Besivance eye drops exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses. Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply Besivance eye drops: Turn the bottle upside down and shake it once before each use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether besifloxacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Besivance without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye infection you are treating.

Contraindications

You should not use Besivance if you are allergic to besifloxacin.
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 Besivance before putting your contact lenses in.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Besivance: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have: 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.
Common Besivance side effects may include: eye redness.

Drug interaction

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Missed dose

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Overdose

An overdose of Besivance is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Storage

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.