Besifloxacin: what it is and when it helps

Besifloxacin is an eye antibiotic used for bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). It comes as an ophthalmic suspension — eye drops you apply directly to the eye. Unlike many oral antibiotics, besifloxacin acts locally, so it targets eye bacteria with minimal effects on the rest of your body.

Think you might need it? If your eye has thick yellow or green discharge, redness, crusting on the lashes, and trouble opening in the morning, a doctor may suspect bacterial conjunctivitis and consider a topical antibiotic like besifloxacin. Your healthcare provider will confirm whether it’s bacterial and recommend the right treatment.

What besifloxacin treats and how well it works

Besifloxacin is in the fluoroquinolone family and is designed for common bacteria that cause eye infections. It’s often chosen for its strong activity against these microbes and for being formulated specifically for the eye. That means it often clears infections faster than doing nothing, but it won’t help viral or allergic conjunctivitis.

Doctors like it when they want a targeted, short course of therapy. Still, proper diagnosis matters: using antibiotics when they aren’t needed can cause resistance and won’t speed recovery for viral or allergic causes.

How to use besifloxacin safely

Wash your hands before touching the bottle. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid, and squeeze one drop into the pocket that forms. Try not to touch the eye with the dropper tip — that can contaminate the bottle. After applying, press gently at the corner of the eye near the nose for 30–60 seconds to reduce systemic absorption.

Common side effects are mild: eye irritation, temporary blurred vision, or a bad taste. Serious allergic reactions are rare but require immediate care. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the drops and wait until your doctor says it’s safe to put them back in.

Tell your prescriber about any past reactions to fluoroquinolones, current medications, or pregnancy. Because besifloxacin is used topically, systemic drug interactions are uncommon, but your clinician will advise if there’s any concern.

Want to stop sooner if you feel better? Don’t. Finish the prescribed course unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping early can leave a few bacteria alive and raise the chance of recurrence or resistance.

If symptoms worsen, you see vision changes, intense pain, or sensitivity to light, contact your eye care professional right away — those signs can mean a more serious problem.

Looking to buy besifloxacin online? Only use licensed pharmacies that ask for a prescription and show clear contact info. Avoid sites that sell antibiotics without a prescription, offer suspiciously low prices, or lack secure checkout. When in doubt, call a local pharmacy or your clinician for guidance.

Questions about besifloxacin are normal. If you’re unsure whether your pink eye needs antibiotics or how to use the drops, a quick chat with a pharmacist or eye doctor can save time and prevent mistakes.