Besifloxacin
Besifloxacin is a topical fluoroquinolone antibiotic designed for ophthalmic use. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication. This medication is prescribed to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) caused by susceptible strains of bacteria.
Besifloxacin is an eye drop antibiotic used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis by killing susceptible bacteria.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- S01AE08
- RxNorm
- 819911
- Generic
- Besifloxacin
- Class
- atc-s01
- Brands
- Besivance
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic
- Forms
- suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1 drop
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- 3 times daily (every 6 hours)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1 drop
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- 3 times daily (every 6 hours)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1 drop
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- 3 times daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, topical ophthalmic use results in minimal systemic absorption
regular prenatal monitoring if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed, benefits must outweigh potential risks
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks
fetal monitoring as needed
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
consider temporarily discontinuing breastfeeding or using alternative therapy, minimal systemic absorption with topical use
monitor infant for any adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants 1 year and olderno adjustment needed
approved for use in pediatric patients 1 year and older for bacterial conjunctivitis
standard pediatric eye examination
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno adjustment needed
no specific dosage adjustment required for elderly patients
routine ophthalmologic monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required due to minimal systemic absorption
standard renal function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required due to minimal systemic absorption
standard liver function monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA Approval Year
FDA approval for Besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis
Drug class
Antimicrobial class information
Indication
FDA-approved therapeutic indication
Dosage form
Topical ophthalmic formulation
Besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of organisms including Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mitis group, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Besifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting two key bacterial enzymes: DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. These enzymes are essential for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. By blocking these enzymes, besifloxacin prevents bacterial growth and allows the body's immune system to eliminate the infection.
Besifloxacin is for topical ophthalmic use only and should not be injected into the eye. Patients should wash hands before application and avoid contaminating the tip of the bottle. Contact lenses should not be worn during treatment of infectious conjunctivitis. Common side effects may include eye redness, discomfort, and blurred vision. As with all fluoroquinolones, allergic reactions can occur.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy