Besix (Besifloxacin 0.6%) Eye Drops

Besix general information

What is Besix used for?

Besix Eye drops 0.6% are a topical antibiotic used to treat external bacterial infections of the eye.  Bacterial conjunctivitis is a bacterial eye infection also known as pink eye, an infection of the conjunctiva, which is the mucous membrane covering the outside of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids.  Conjunctivitis causes the infected eye and eyelid to become sore, red and inflamed, with a sticky discharge and crust formation on the eyelids that can make the eyes stick together.  Symptoms of eye infection can also include, pain, foreign body sensation (a feeling of something in the eye), gritty sensation, blurred vision, sensitivity to light.  Besix Eye drops 0.6% act directly on the infection in the eye to relieve symptoms and prevent spread of the infection.  

How does Besix work?

Besix Eye Drops 0.6% contain besifloxacin that belongs to the fluoroquinolones group of antibiotics and is a broad spectrum antibiotic.  Besifloxacin in Besix Eye Drops has antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria including the most common bacterial species to infect the eye, which are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; also against Corynebacterium and Moraxella, and is particularly useful against bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.  Besifloxacin in Besix Eye Drops works by inhibiting two important bacterial enzymes needed for the bacteria to replicate and repair its DNA.  These are DNA gyrase, an essential enzyme required for replication, transcription and repair of bacterial DNA; and Topoisomerase IV an essential enzyme required for partitioning of the chromosomal DNA during bacterial cell division.  This action of Besifloxacin in Besix Eye Drops kills the bacteria by blocking its growth and preventing the spread of infection.  

What does Besix contain?

Besix Eye Drops contain the active ingredient besifloxacin 0.6% (6 mg/mL) that is used as a topical antibiotic to treat conjunctivitis, a bacterial eye infection. 

Treating conjunctivitis with Besix

Besix Eye Drops 0.6% contains besifloxacin a broad spectrum topical antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis of the eye.  Conjunctivitis is an eye infection, also known as pink eye, characterised by sore, red and inflamed eyelids, with a sticky discharge and crust formation on the eyelids that can make the eyes stick together.  Besifloxacin in Besix Eye Drops 0.6% has antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria including, including the most common bacterial species to infect the eye, which are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and works by inhibiting several bacterial enzymes needed for the bacteria to replicate and repair its DNA, which kills the bacteria by blocking its growth and preventing the spread of infection.

What are the side effects of Besix?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Besix Eye Drops 0.6% include burning, stinging, itching, and irritation of the skin around the eyes, blurred vision and headache.

When should Besix not be used?

You should not use Besix Eye Drops 0.6% if you:

• are allergic to besifloxacin or any ingredients in Besix
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are wearing contact lenses
• are taking medicines that interact with Besix

How should Besix be used?

You should add one drop of your Besix Eye Drops 0.6% into your infected eye, three times daily according to the instructions provided.  If you wear contact lenses, these should be removed until after your course of treatment with Besivance Eye Drops is completed and all signs of the infection have cleared up.  You should continue to use your Besix Eye Drops 0.6% for seven days, even if your symptoms have improved.   

How long should you use Besix?

You should continue to use your Besix Eye Drops 0.6% for seven days, even if your symptoms have improved.

Missed dose of Besix

If you miss a dose of Besix Eye Drops 0.6% apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Besix be stored?

You should store your Besix below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from light.