Based on your criteria, Besivance (besifloxacin) is recommended for its broad-spectrum activity, low resistance rates, and convenient twice-daily dosing.
It's particularly effective against resistant strains and suitable for children and adults alike.
Brand | Active Ingredient | Spectrum | Dosing Frequency | Typical Cost (AUD) | Common Side-Effects |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Besivance | Besifloxacin | Broad (Gram+/-, resistant strains) | Twice daily | ~$120 for 5 mL | Redness, transient blur |
Ciloxan | Ciprofloxacin | Broad (Gram+/-) | Four times daily | ~$30 for 5 mL | Stinging, photosensitivity |
Ocuflox | Ofloxacin | Broad (Gram+/-) | Four times daily | ~$35 for 5 mL | Redness, tearing |
Vigamox | Moxifloxacin | Broad (Gram+/-, resistant) | Day 1: three times; thereafter twice daily | ~$80 for 5 mL | Temporary discomfort |
Tobrex | Tobramycin | Narrow (Gram-) | Four times daily | ~$25 for 5 mL | Corneal irritation |
Chloromycetin | Chloramphenicol | Broad (Gram+/-) | Four times daily | ~$20 for 5 mL | Eye irritation |
When you’re choosing an eye drop for bacterial conjunctivitis, Besivance often shows up on the list, but you might wonder if it really beats the alternatives. This guide walks you through the most important factors-strength, dosing schedule, side‑effects, cost, and resistance profile-so you can decide which solution fits your needs.
Besivance is a prescription‑only ophthalmic solution that contains besifloxacin, a newer fluoroquinolone specifically designed for eye infections. Approved by the FDA in 2009 and later adopted by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), it targets bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and keratitis.
Below are the most common alternatives you’ll encounter, each with its own strengths and drawbacks.
Besifloxacin - the active ingredient in Besivance, a fourth‑generation fluoroquinolone with a broad spectrum of activity, including many resistant strains.
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution (brand name Ciloxan) - a second‑generation fluoroquinolone, widely used for bacterial eye infections but often requires a four‑times‑daily dosing schedule.
Ofloxacin ophthalmic solution (brand name Ocuflox) - similar to ciprofloxacin in spectrum, slightly better penetration into corneal tissue.
Moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution (brand name Vigamox) - a newer fluoroquinolone with a dosing schedule of three times daily for the first day, then twice daily.
Tobramycin ophthalmic solution (brand name Tobrex) - an aminoglycoside, narrow‑spectrum, primarily targeting Gram‑negative bacteria.
Chloramphenicol ophthalmic solution (brand name Chloromycetin eye drops) - a broad‑spectrum bacteriostatic agent, often used when fluoroquinolones are contraindicated.
Bacterial conjunctivitis - the most common eye infection, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis.
All ophthalmic antibiotics can cause mild irritation, but the severity and frequency differ.
Brand | Active Ingredient | Spectrum | Dosing Frequency | FDA/TGA Approval Year | Typical Cost (AUD) | Common Side‑Effects |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Besivance | Besifloxacin | Broad (Gram‑+, Gram‑‑, resistant strains) | Twice daily | 2009 (US), 2010 (AU) | ~$120 for 5mL | Redness, transient blur |
Ciloxan | Ciprofloxacin | Broad (Gram‑+, Gram‑‑) | Four times daily | 1997 (US), 1998 (AU) | ~$30 for 5mL | Stinging, photosensitivity |
Ocuflox | Ofloxacin | Broad (Gram‑+, Gram‑‑) | Four times daily | 1999 (US), 2001 (AU) | ~$35 for 5mL | Redness, tearing |
Vigamox | Moxifloxacin | Broad (Gram‑+, Gram‑‑, resistant) | Day1: three times; thereafter twice daily | 2006 (US), 2007 (AU) | ~$80 for 5mL | Temporary discomfort |
Tobrex | Tobramycin | Narrow (Gram‑‑) | Four times daily | 1995 (US), 1996 (AU) | ~$25 for 5mL | Corneal irritation |
Chloromycetin | Chloramphenicol | Broad (Gram‑+, Gram‑‑) | Four times daily | 1990 (US), 1992 (AU) | ~$20 for 5mL | Eye irritation |
If you need a short, easy regimen-especially for kids or busy adults-Besivance’s twice‑daily schedule is a winner. Its newer fluoroquinolone structure also means it stays effective against strains that have become resistant to older drugs like ciprofloxacin.
Patients with a history of fluoroquinolone allergy should steer clear, though such reactions are rare. In Australia, many ophthalmologists prescribe Besivance for severe bacterial conjunctivitis or when rapid symptom relief is a priority.
Cost is a big factor. If you have a limited budget or your health fund doesn’t cover Besivance, the older fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin) provide similar bacterial coverage at a fraction of the price.
For infections known to be caused by Gram‑negative rods only-like Pseudomonas in contact‑lens wearers-Tobramycin can be a targeted choice, avoiding unnecessary broad‑spectrum exposure.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, chloramphenicol is sometimes preferred because it has a long safety record, although it’s less potent against resistant strains.
Fluoroquinolone resistance is on the rise globally. A 2023 Australian surveillance report showed a 12% resistance rate for ciprofloxacin in ocular isolates, while besifloxacin resistance remained under 1%. This suggests that, for persistent or recurrent infections, Besivance may be the most reliable option.
Besivance stands out for its broad coverage, low resistance rates, and convenient twice‑daily dosing. However, its higher price means it isn’t always the first‑line choice for everyone. Ciprofloxacin and Ofloxacin remain solid, budget‑friendly options, while Moxifloxacin offers a middle ground in cost and dosing. For narrow‑spectrum needs or special patient groups, Tobramycin and Chloramphenicol still have a role.
Talk to your eye care professional about the specific bacteria involved, your budget, and any allergies. That conversation will help you land on the most effective and affordable eye drop for your situation.
Yes. Clinical trials included pediatric patients as young as 1year old, and no serious safety concerns were reported. As always, follow the pediatric dosing schedule prescribed by your ophthalmologist.
It’s best to remove contact lenses before starting treatment and wait at least 15minutes after each drop before reinserting them. This reduces the risk of drug‑lens interaction and ensures the medication reaches the eye surface.
Most patients notice a reduction in redness and discharge within 24‑48hours, with full resolution typically by day5‑7, assuming the infection is uncomplicated.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed one and continue with the regular schedule-don’t double‑dose.
Because it’s applied topically, systemic drug interactions are rare. However, avoid using other ophthalmic preparations within 5minutes of Besivance to prevent dilution or wash‑out effects.
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