Besifloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Besifloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in besifloxacin ophthalmic could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Turn the bottle upside down and shake it once before each use.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature. Protect from light and do not freeze.

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day, 4 to 12 hours apart, for 7 days.

Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible isolates of Aerococcus viridans, CDC coryneform group G, Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, C striatum, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella lacunata, M catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, S epidermidis, S hominis, S lugdunensis, S warneri, Streptococcus mitis group, S oralis, S pneumoniae, S salivarius

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

1 year or older: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day, 4 to 12 hours apart, for 7 days.

Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible isolates of A viridans, CDC coryneform group G, C pseudodiphtheriticum, C striatum, H influenzae, M lacunata, M catarrhalis, P aeruginosa, S aureus, S epidermidis, S hominis, S lugdunensis, S warneri, S mitis group, S oralis, S pneumoniae, S salivarius

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

An overdose of besifloxacin ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of an eye infection.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Besifloxacin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• drainage or crusting of your eye;

• severe eye irritation after using the eye drops;

• feeling like there is something in your eye;

• severe eye redness or swelling; or

• fever, or any signs of a new infection.

Common side effects of besifloxacin ophthalmic may include:

• eye redness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the besifloxacin eye drops, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.