Sponsored by Bausch + Lomb

Abstract: Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common ocular infection that, although usually self-limited, can result in severe cases and develop vision-threatening complications. Diagnosis of bacterial conjunctivitis is generally clinical, and most cases can be managed with empirical antibiotic therapy. Use of a potent, broad-spectrum topical antibiotic is important for treatment. BESIVANCE® (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension) 0.6%, a fluoroquinolone developed specifically for topical ocular use and approved for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, provides such an antibiotic choice.

As a dual-halogenated topical chlorofluoroquinolone, besifloxacin demonstrates potent in vitro activity against a range of important ocular pathogens, including strains of methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and susceptible isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Formulated in a mucoadhesive vehicle, BESIVANCE® also has excellent ocular surface residence time, making it a good choice for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.

The clinical significance of in vitro activity has not been established.