What Is
Bacterial
Conjunctivitis
(Pink Eye)?

Pink Eye

Bacterial conjunctivitis, sometimes called pink eye, is an infection of the eye caused by certain kinds of bacteria. Pink eye can spread easily, and it is more common in children than adults, although adults can get pink eye too. Pink eye occurs more frequently during the winter months.

What Are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?

Symptoms of pink eye can include:

  • Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s)
  • Swelling, itching, irritation, and/or burning
  • Discharge (pus), which can lead to eyelids sticking together
  • Crusting of the eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning

What Causes Pink Eye?

The most common causes of pink eye are:

  • Bacteria

    The same type of bacteria that cause strep throat and staph infections cause bacterial conjunctivitis. For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotics are the most common method of treatment. BESIVANCE® is an antibiotic in the form of a liquid drop you put into the eye.

  • Viruses

    If the conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, it is usually one of the viruses that causes the common cold

  • Allergies

    Allergens, such as pollen, can cause pink eye in one or both of your eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually itchy

  • Chemicals

    Chemicals such as chlorine, found in backyard swimming pools, can cause conjunctivitis

  • BESIVANCE® is not for the treatment of conjunctivitis caused by viruses, allergies, or chemicals.

Is bacterial pink eye contagious?

Yes. Pink eye that is caused by bacteria can easily be spread to other people through direct or indirect contact with the liquid that drains from the eye of someone who's infected. The infected liquid comes into contact with others by:

  • Touching or shaking hands
  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Touching an object or surface with the germs on it, then touching your eyes before washing your hands

Things you can do to help prevent the spread of bacterial pink eye

Practice good hygiene to control the spread of pink eye. For instance:

  • Don't touch your eyes with your hands
  • Wash your hands often
  • Use a clean towel and washcloth daily
  • Don't share towels or washcloths
  • Change your pillowcases often
  • Don't share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items
See More
Indication

BESIVANCE® (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension) 0.6% is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial medicine used to treat an infection of the eye called conjunctivitis, caused by certain types of germs called bacteria. Contact your doctor for more information about this type of eye infection or the bacteria that cause it.

Important Safety Information
  • To avoid contamination of the bottle tip, do not touch the bottle tip with material from your eye, your fingers or other source. Wash hands thoroughly before using BESIVANCE.
  • Do not wear contact lenses while using BESIVANCE or any time you have signs or symptoms of an eye infection.
  • Before each use, turn the BESIVANCE bottle upside down and shake once. While upside down, remove cap, tilt head back and gently squeeze bottle to put in one drop into the affected eye(s).
  • The most common side effect reported in clinical studies was eye redness in approximately 2% of patients. Other side effects reported in approximately 1-2% of patients were blurred vision, eye pain, eye irritation, itchy eye, and headache.
  • Safety and effectiveness in infants below one year of age have not been established.
  • Not for injection into the eye.

Click here to see full Prescribing Information for BESIVANCE.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

 
Indication

BESIVANCE® (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension) 0.6% is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial medicine used to treat an infection of the eye called conjunctivitis, caused by certain types of germs called bacteria. Contact your doctor for more information about this type of eye infection or the bacteria that cause it.

Important Safety Information
  • To avoid contamination of the bottle tip, do not touch the bottle tip with material from your eye, your fingers or other source. Wash hands thoroughly before using BESIVANCE.
  • Do not wear contact lenses while using BESIVANCE or any time you have signs or symptoms of an eye infection.
  • Before each use, turn the BESIVANCE bottle upside down and shake once. While upside down, remove cap, tilt head back and gently squeeze bottle to put in one drop into the affected eye(s).
  • The most common side effect reported in clinical studies was eye redness in approximately 2% of patients. Other side effects reported in approximately 1-2% of patients were blurred vision, eye pain, eye irritation, itchy eye, and headache.
  • Safety and effectiveness in infants below one year of age have not been established.
  • Not for injection into the eye.

Click here to see full Prescribing Information for BESIVANCE.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.