Indications
Besiven ophthalmic suspension is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible isolates of the following bacteria: Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, Corynebacterium striatum, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella lacunata, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Streptococcus mitis group, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus salivarius. Efficacy for this organism was studied in fewer than 10 infections.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Besifloxacin is an 8-chloro fluoroquinolone bearing an N-1 cyclopropyl group. It works against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by blocking two enzymes bacteria need to survive: DNA gyrase, which is essential for replicating, transcribing and repairing bacterial DNA, and topoisomerase IV, which is essential for separating chromosomal DNA when bacterial cells divide.
In a study of adult patients with suspected bacterial conjunctivitis, plasma levels of Besifloxacin were measured after the drug was applied to both eyes three times a day for a total of 16 doses. After both the first and the last dose, no patient's peak plasma concentration exceeded 1.3 ng/ml. On average, the peak concentration was 0.37 ng/ml on day 1 and 0.43 ng/ml on day 6. With repeated dosing, Besifloxacin's average elimination half-life in plasma was about 7 hours.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of besifloxacin use in pregnant women. It is not known whether besifloxacin passes into human breast milk, though this is presumed to happen. Nursing mothers should use it with caution.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.