When you have a red, gritty, or discharge-filled eye, it’s often not just irritation—it’s a bacterial infection. Besifloxacin, a prescription-only fluoroquinolone antibiotic specifically formulated for the eye. Also known as Bexar, it’s one of the few antibiotics designed to stay in the eye long enough to kill stubborn bacteria without needing frequent dosing. Unlike oral antibiotics, besifloxacin is applied directly as eye drops, so it hits the infection fast and avoids affecting the rest of your body.
Besifloxacin works by stopping bacteria from copying their DNA, which stops them from multiplying. It’s especially effective against common eye pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, the usual suspects behind pink eye and corneal ulcers. It’s not just another antibiotic—its chemical structure lets it penetrate eye tissues better than older options like ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin, which is why doctors often reach for it when infections don’t clear up with standard drops.
It’s not the only option, though. Other fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin, a widely used eye drop for bacterial conjunctivitis and moxifloxacin, a newer, broader-spectrum alternative are also common. But besifloxacin has a key edge: it’s formulated to last longer on the eye surface, meaning fewer doses per day. That’s a big deal when you’re dealing with a painful infection and just want relief without constant reapplying.
People often wonder if they can use leftover antibiotics or switch to over-the-counter drops. Don’t. Eye infections can worsen quickly, and using the wrong treatment—even something that worked before—can lead to resistance or damage. Besifloxacin requires a prescription because it’s powerful and targeted. It’s not meant for viral or allergic redness, which are far more common than bacterial cases.
Side effects are usually mild—temporary stinging, blurred vision, or a weird taste in your mouth after blinking—but serious reactions are rare. If your eye gets worse after starting besifloxacin, or if you develop swelling or vision loss, stop using it and see a doctor right away. That’s not normal.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of drug names. It’s a practical guide to how antibiotics like besifloxacin stack up against others, what they’re really used for, and when you might need something stronger—or something gentler. You’ll see comparisons with drugs like cephalexin for skin infections, or how steroid creams like betamethasone sometimes get mixed in with antibiotics for stubborn inflammation. You’ll also find tips on spotting fake online pharmacies selling these meds without a prescription—because your eyes are too important to risk.
Besifloxacin and moxifloxacin are both antibiotic eye drops used for infections, but they differ in strength, duration, and safety. Learn which one works best for common eye infections and when to choose each.