It’s one of the worst ways to wake up. One eye is gritty, maybe a little blurry, and stuck together with a crusty discharge. You pry it open and look in the mirror to see a red, irritated mess. It’s that classic, miserable feeling of a bacterial eye infection, often called bacterial conjunctivitis. When we see this in the clinic, one of the tools we have to fight it is a medicated eye drop called Besifloxacin.
It sounds complicated, but it’s really quite straightforward. Let’s talk about what it is and how to use it to get you feeling better fast.
What Exactly is Besifloxacin?
Besifloxacin (you might see the brand name Besivance) is a powerful antibiotic that belongs to a class of drugs called quinolones. Think of it as a targeted treatment designed specifically to stop bacteria from growing and multiplying on the surface of your eye.
It’s not for every kind of red eye—it won’t work on viral infections (like the common cold can cause) or allergic reactions. But for those pesky bacterial infections, it can be a real game-changer.
How to Use These Eye Drops Correctly
Using eye drops can feel awkward, but you’ll get the hang of it. The key is to be clean and consistent.
- Always wash your hands first! Before and after.
- Give the bottle a good, vigorous shake. It’s a suspension, which means the medicine needs to be mixed up.
- Tilt your head back. With one finger, gently pull your lower eyelid down. This creates a little pocket.
- Bring the dropper tip close to your eye, but do not let it touch your eye, eyelid, or fingers. This is so important for keeping the bottle free of germs.
- Squeeze one drop into that pocket you created.
- Close your eye gently for a minute or so to let the drop spread around. Don’t squeeze it shut tightly or blink a lot, as that can push the medicine out.
Your vision might be a little blurry for a few minutes right after—that’s normal.
A quick note: We need to use this for the full time prescribed, even if your eye starts feeling better in a day or two. Stopping early can let the infection come roaring back.
For parents: Yes, this medicine can be prescribed for children as young as one year old. We’ll always discuss the right dose and make sure it’s the best choice for your little one.
What to Watch For: Side Effects & Concerns
Most people do just fine with these drops, but it’s always good to know what to look for. I’ve broken it down into two groups: things that mean you should call us right away, and things that are usually mild but worth mentioning if they don’t go away.
| Symptom Type | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Stop the Drops & Call Your Doctor Immediately | |
| Signs of Allergic Reaction | This is rare, but important. Look for a skin rash, hives, or any swelling of your face, lips, or tongue. |
| Worsening Symptoms | If the eye pain, redness, or discharge gets worse instead of better after a couple of days. |
| Common & Usually Mild (Let us know if they persist) | |
| Local Irritation | A bit of stinging, burning, or itching in the eye right after you put the drops in. This usually fades quickly. |
| Other Sensations | Some people report a mild headache. |
A Few Final, Important Reminders
- Contact Lenses: Please don’t wear your contact lenses while you’re treating an eye infection. It can trap bacteria and make things much worse. We can tell you when it’s safe to start wearing them again.
- Missed Dose? If you forget a dose, just put it in as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, just skip the one you missed and get back on track. Don’t double up.
- Don’t Share: This medicine is for you and you alone. To avoid spreading the infection, don’t share your drops, towels, or washcloths with anyone.
- Storage: Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from light.
Take-Home Message
- Besifloxacin is an antibiotic eye drop for treating bacterial eye infections, like bacterial conjunctivitis.
- Always shake the bottle well before each use and avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface.
- Finish the entire course of treatment, even if your eye feels better, to prevent the infection from returning.
- Do not wear contact lenses during treatment.
- Stop using the drops and call your doctor if you see any signs of an allergic reaction, like a rash or swelling.
Dealing with an eye infection is no fun, but with the right care, they usually clear up quickly. If you’re ever unsure about your symptoms or how to use your medication, just give us a call. You’re not alone in this, and we’re here to help.