Besifloxacin: What It Is and When It’s Used
Besifloxacin is an antibiotic eye drop that fights bacterial infections inside the eye. Most people see it prescribed for conditions like bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and ulcerative keratitis. It belongs to a group called fluoroquinolones, which are good at killing a wide range of eye bugs while being gentle on the eye surface.
If you’ve ever been told to put drops in your eye and felt a sting, that’s normal. The important part is that the medicine gets right where the bacteria are growing and stops them from spreading. Unlike oral antibiotics, besi‑drops work locally, so you’re less likely to feel whole‑body side effects.
How to Use Besifloxacin Correctly
Using besifloxacin is straightforward, but a few tricks help you get the most out of it. First, wash your hands before you touch the bottle. Tilt your head back, pull the lower eyelid down gently, and squeeze one drop into the pocket you’ve created. Close your eye for about 30 seconds and press the inner corner of the eye (near your nose) with a finger—this blocks any drainage into the nose and keeps more medicine in the eye.
Most doctors prescribe one drop in the affected eye three times a day for seven days. Stick to the schedule even if you start feeling better after a few days; stopping early can let the bacteria come back. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one—don’t double up.
Store the bottle at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Once opened, follow the label’s expiration date—usually 28 days—because the drops can lose potency after that.
Possible Side Effects and Safety Tips
Besifloxacin is well‑tolerated, but some folks notice mild irritation, temporary blur, or a slight burning feeling after each drop. These reactions usually fade within a few minutes. If you see severe redness, swelling, or vision loss, stop using the drops and call your doctor right away.
Because it’s an antibiotic, overuse can lead to resistance—bacteria learn to dodge the drug. That’s why you should only use besifloxacin for the infection it was prescribed for and never share the bottle with anyone else.
Pregnant or nursing mothers should discuss use with a healthcare professional, although eye drops generally pose low systemic risk. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before putting the drops in and wait at least 15 minutes before putting the lenses back in.
In short, besifloxacin is a fast‑acting option for bacterial eye infections. Follow the dosing instructions, keep the bottle clean, and watch for any unusual symptoms. When used correctly, it clears up infection quickly and helps you get back to clear vision without hassle.
