Besivance general information

What is Besivance used for?

Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension 0.6% is a topical antibiotic used as eye drops to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a bacterial eye infection that causes the infected eye and eyelid to become sore, red and inflamed, with a sticky discharge and crust formation on the eyelids that can make the eyes stick together. Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension 0.6% acts directly on the infection in the eye to relieve symptoms and prevent spread of the infection.

How does Besivance work?

Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension 0.6% contains besifloxacin that belongs to the fluoroquinolones group of antibiotics and is a broad spectrum antibiotic with antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria including, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, viridans and other species, and Moraxella species and is particularly useful against bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Besifloxacin in Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension works by inhibiting several bacterial enzymes needed for the bacteria to replicate its DNA, including bacterial DNA gyrase, an essential enzyme required for replication, transcription and repair of bacterial DNA; and Topoisomerase IV is an essential enzyme required for partitioning of the chromosomal DNA during bacterial cell division. This action kills the bacteria by blocking its growth and preventing the spread of infection.

What does Besivance contain?

Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension contains the active ingredient besifloxacin 0.6% (6 mg/mL) that is used as a topical antibiotic to treat bacterial eye infections. They also contain benzalkonium chloride 0.01%, polycarbophil, mannitol, poloxamer polycarbophil, mannitol, poloxamer 407, sodium chloride, edetate disodium dihydrate, sodium hydroxide and water

Treating eye infection with Besivance

Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension 0.6% contains besifloxacin a broad spectrum antibiotic that is used as eye drops to treat bacterial conjunctivitis of the eye. Conjunctivitis is an eye infection characterised by sore, red and inflamed eyelids, with a sticky discharge and crust formation on the eyelids that can make the eyes stick together. Besifloxacin in Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension works by inhibiting several bacterial enzymes needed for the bacteria to replicate its DNA, which kills the bacteria by blocking its growth and preventing the spread of infection.

What are the side effects of Besivance?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension include, burning, stinging, itching, and irritation of the skin around the eyes, blurred vision and headache.

When should Besivance not be used?

You should not use Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension if you:

• are allergic to besifloxacin or any ingredients in Besivance
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are wearing contact lenses

How should Besivance be used?

You should add one drop of your Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension 0.6% into your infected eye, three times daily according to the instructions provided. If you wear contact lenses, these should be removed until after your course of treatment with Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension is completed and all signs of the infection have cleared up. You should continue to use your Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension for seven days, even if your symptoms have improved.

How long should you use Besivance?

You should continue to use your Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension for seven days, even if your symptoms have improved.

Missed dose of Besivance

If you miss a dose of Besivance Ophthalmic Suspension 0.6% apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose.

How should Besivance be stored?

You should store your Besivance below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from light.