Besivance: What It Is, How It Works, and Alternatives You Should Know

When you have a bacterial eye infection, Besivance, a brand-name antibiotic eye drop containing besifloxacin, used to treat conjunctivitis and other bacterial eye infections. Also known as besifloxacin, it works by stopping bacteria from multiplying right where it hurts—your eye. Unlike oral antibiotics, Besivance targets the infection directly, so it acts fast and avoids affecting your whole body. It’s often prescribed when other eye drops don’t work, or when the infection is stubborn or severe.

Besivance belongs to the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that target bacterial DNA replication, which includes drugs like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin—but those are usually taken by mouth or given as IVs. Besivance is one of the few fluoroquinolones made specifically for eye use, which means it’s formulated to be safe for delicate eye tissue. It’s not just another drop; it’s engineered to stay in the eye long enough to kill the bacteria without causing irritation. That’s why doctors turn to it when infections don’t clear up with older drops like polymyxin B or sulfacetamide.

But Besivance isn’t the only option. Many people ask: Is there something cheaper? Safer? Just as good? Alternatives like levofloxacin eye drops, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis or moxifloxacin, another fluoroquinolone eye drop effective against a wide range of bacteria work similarly, but cost less. Some studies show they’re just as effective for common infections. The big difference? Besivance is designed to be used fewer times a day, which helps with compliance—especially for kids or older adults who forget doses.

Still, not everyone should use it. If you’ve had allergic reactions to other fluoroquinolones, Besivance could trigger the same response. And while rare, it can cause temporary stinging, blurred vision, or redness right after use. You don’t want to keep using it if your symptoms get worse, not better. That’s why knowing when to stop—and when to switch—is just as important as knowing how to use it.

The posts below cover real cases and comparisons: how Besivance stacks up against other eye drops, what to do if it doesn’t work, why some people get side effects, and which alternatives are actually worth trying. You’ll find guides on spotting early signs of eye infections, when to see a doctor instead of self-treating, and how to avoid common mistakes when using antibiotic drops. Whether you’re dealing with pink eye, a scratched cornea, or post-surgery care, this collection gives you the facts—not the fluff.