Besivance (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension) 0.6% is a prescription fluoroquinolone antimicrobial indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Formulated as a sterile, topical ophthalmic suspension, it is designed to target and eliminate a broad spectrum of ocular pathogens with a low potential for resistance development. Its unique viscous formulation enhances precorneal residence time, promoting sustained drug availability at the site of infection. This product is intended for use under the direction of an eye care professional.

Features

• Active Ingredient: Besifloxacin hydrochloride 0.6% (equivalent to 6 mg/mL besifloxacin)
• Pharmacological Class: Fluoroquinolone antibacterial
• Presentation: Sterile, white to off-white, opaque, aqueous suspension
• Preservative: Benzalkonium chloride 0.01%
• pH: Approximately 6.8
• Osmolality: Approximately 290 mOsm/kg
• Packaging: 5 mL in a white low-density polyethylene bottle with a natural low-density polyethylene dropper tip and a white polypropylene cap

Benefits

• Provides broad-spectrum in vitro activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative ocular pathogens, including key resistant strains.
• Demonstrates potent bactericidal activity by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.
• Formulated with DuraSite® technology to enhance viscosity and prolong ocular surface contact time for improved efficacy.
• Exhibits a low propensity for the development of bacterial resistance in clinical isolates.
• Convenient twice-daily dosing regimen supports patient adherence to therapy.
• Clinically proven to achieve significantly higher rates of clinical resolution and microbial eradication compared to vehicle.

Common use

Besivance is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible isolates of the following bacteria: Aerococcus viridans, Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, Corynebacterium striatum, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Propionibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Streptococcus mitis group, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus salivarius.

Dosage and direction

• Instill one drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily, approximately 8 to 12 hours apart, for 7 days.
• Wash hands thoroughly before use.
• Avoid allowing the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eye, to prevent contamination.
• If more than one topical ophthalmic product is being used, administer them at least 5 minutes apart.
• Shake the bottle well before each use.

Precautions

• For topical ophthalmic use only. Not for injection or oral use.
• Patients should be advised not to wear contact lenses if they have signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis.
• As with other antibacterial preparations, prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi.
• If superinfection occurs, discontinue use and institute alternative therapy.
• Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a physician if any ocular reactions occur, particularly conjunctival inflammation and worsening of the condition.

Contraindications

Besivance is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to besifloxacin, to other quinolones, or to any of the components in this medication.

Possible side effect

The most commonly reported ocular adverse reactions in 1-2% of patients were:

• Blurred vision
• Eye irritation
• Eye pain
• Eye redness
• Headache

Non-ocular adverse reactions occurring in <1% of patients included:

• Nausea
• Taste disturbance (dysgeusia)

Drug interaction

Formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Besivance. However, due to minimal systemic absorption following topical ocular administration, systemic drug interactions are considered unlikely.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Do not instill two doses at one time.

Overdose

Topical ocular overdose of Besivance is unlikely to produce clinical manifestations. If accidentally ingested, symptomatic treatment should be instituted. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion is recent.

Storage

• Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F).
• Protect from light.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Discard the bottle within 30 days of opening.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. It is not exhaustive. Please refer to the full Prescribing Information for complete details. The product should be used only as directed by a qualified healthcare provider. The safety and effectiveness of Besivance in pediatric patients below 1 year of age have not been established.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate that besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% is effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, showing superior microbial eradication rates compared to vehicle. — American Journal of Ophthalmology

In vitro data confirm that besifloxacin maintains potent activity against contemporary ocular isolates, including those resistant to other fluoroquinolones. — Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

The DuraSite® vehicle enhances precorneal retention of besifloxacin, supporting its twice-daily dosing regimen and contributing to its clinical efficacy profile. — Cornea