Besifloxacin

Generic Name: besifloxacin

Quinolone Antimicrobial [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Besivance

11 DESCRIPTION Besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% is a sterile ophthalmic suspension of besifloxacin formulated with DuraSite ®† (polycarbophil, edetate disodium dihydrate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and water for injection). Each mL of besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension contains 6.63 mg besifloxacin hydrochloride equivalent to 6 mg besifloxacin base. It is an 8‑chloro fluoroquinolone anti-infective for topical ophthalmic use.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% is a sterile ophthalmic suspension of besifloxacin formulated with DuraSite ®† (polycarbophil, edetate disodium dihydrate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and water for injection). Each mL of besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension contains 6.63 mg besifloxacin hydrochloride equivalent to 6 mg besifloxacin base. It is an 8‑chloro fluoroquinolone anti-infective for topical ophthalmic use.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible isolates of the following bacteria: Aerococcus viridans * CDC coryneform group G Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum* Corynebacterium striatum* Haemophilus influenzae Moraxella catarrhalis* Moraxella lacunata* Pseudomonas aeruginosa* Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Staphylococcus hominis* Staphylococcus lugdunensis* Staphylococcus warneri* Streptococcus mitis group Streptococcus oralis Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus salivarius * *Efficacy for this organism was studied in fewer than 10 infections.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Invert closed bottle and shake once before use. Instill one drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day, 4 to 12 hours apart for 7 days. Instill one drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times a day, 4 to 12 hours apart for 7 days. ( 2 )

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The data described below reflect exposure to besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension in approximately 1,000 patients between 1 and 98 years old with clinical signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis. The most frequently reported ocular adverse reaction was conjunctival redness, reported in approximately 2% of patients.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Not for Injection into the Eye ( 5.1 ) Growth of Resistant Organisms with Prolonged Use ( 5.2 ) Avoidance of Contact Lenses: Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis or during the course of therapy with besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Not for Injection into the Eye 5.2 Growth of Resistant Organisms with Prolonged Use As with other anti-infectives, prolonged use of besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If super-infection occurs, discontinue use and institute alternative therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available human data for the use of besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension during pregnancy to inform any drug-associated risks; however, systemic exposure to besifloxacin from ocular administration is low [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )] . Oral administration of besifloxacin to pregnant rats during organogenesis or during the prenatal and postnatal period did not produce adverse embryofetal or offspring effects at clinically relevant systemic exposures [see Data ] .

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% is supplied as a sterile ophthalmic suspension in a white low density polyethylene (LDPE) bottle with a controlled dropper tip and beige polypropylene cap. Tamper evidence is provided with a shrink band around the cap and neck area of the package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Besifloxacin used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible isolates of the following bacteria: Aerococcus viridans * CDC coryneform group G Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum* Corynebacterium striatum* Haemophilus influenzae Moraxella catarrhalis* Moraxella lacunata* Pseudomonas aeruginosa* Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Staphylococcus hominis* Staphylococcus lugdunensis* Staphylococcus warneri* Streptococcus mitis group Streptococcus oralis Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus salivarius * *Efficacy for this organism was studied in fewer than 10 infections.

What are the side effects of Besifloxacin?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The data described below reflect exposure to besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension in approximately 1,000 patients between 1 and 98 years old with clinical signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis. The most frequently reported ocular adverse reaction was conjunctival redness, reported in approximately 2% of patients.

Can I take Besifloxacin during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available human data for the use of besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension during pregnancy to inform any drug-associated risks; however, systemic exposure to besifloxacin from ocular administration is low [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )] . Oral administration of besifloxacin to pregnant rats during organogenesis or during the prenatal and postnatal period did not produce adverse embryofetal or offspring effects at clinically relevant systemic exposures [see Data ] .

What are the important warnings for Besifloxacin?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Not for Injection into the Eye ( 5.1 ) Growth of Resistant Organisms with Prolonged Use ( 5.2 ) Avoidance of Contact Lenses: Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis or during the course of therapy with besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Not for Injection into the Eye 5.2 Growth of Resistant Organisms with Prolonged Use As with other anti-infectives, prolonged use of besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If super-infection occurs, discontinue use and institute alternative therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.