Besifloxacin: What it Treats and how to use it safely

Besifloxacin is an antibiotic made for the eye. Doctors prescribe it for bacterial conjunctivitis and other bacterial eye infections. It’s an ophthalmic suspension, which means you put drops directly into the eye. The drug was developed to kill a broad range of bacteria that cause red, sticky, or painful eyes.

Clinical tests showed besifloxacin works quickly to reduce bacteria on the eye surface. Many people notice less redness and discharge within a couple of days. Still, the full course matters—stopping early can let the infection come back or breed resistant bacteria.

How to use besifloxacin eye drops

Always follow your doctor’s directions. A common prescription schedule is one drop in the affected eye(s) every two hours for the first two days, then every four hours for the next five days. Don’t squeeze extra drops to try to speed recovery—more isn’t better.

Quick tips when applying drops: wash your hands first, tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid, and place the drop into the pocket formed. Close your eye for a minute and press the inner corner gently to limit drainage into your nose. Wait at least five minutes before using other eye drops.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before putting in drops and wait until your doctor says it’s safe to reinsert them. Contacts can trap bacteria and make infections worse.

Side effects, safety signals, and buying tips

Most side effects are mild and local: temporary burning, stinging, redness, or blurred vision right after the drop. A strange bitter taste is also reported because eye drops can drain into the throat. Serious allergic reactions are rare but need urgent care—look for swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing.

Besifloxacin has minimal systemic absorption, so drug interactions are uncommon. Still, tell your doctor about other eye medicines, known allergies, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Doctors usually avoid unnecessary medications during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks.

Do not buy prescription eye antibiotics from unverified online stores. Use a licensed pharmacy or a verified mail-order service. Check for a real prescription requirement, a physical address, and clear contact info. If a site promises powerful antibiotics without a prescription, that’s a red flag.

If symptoms get worse or don’t improve in 48–72 hours, call your doctor. Sudden vision changes, intense pain, or high fever with eye infection mean get medical help now. Keep medicine out of reach of children and store it as the label directs—often at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.

Besifloxacin can fix common bacterial eye infections fast when used correctly. Ask questions, follow the full course, and choose trusted pharmacies. That keeps your eyes safer and helps antibiotics stay effective for everyone.