Besivance vs. Ciprofloxacin for Eye Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Besivance

(besifloxacin)

Ciprofloxacin

(Cipro)

Summary for Besivance

Prescription only

Besivance is a prescription eye drop used to treat bacterial pink eye in adults and children 1 year of age and older. It belongs to the fluoroquinolone antibiotic class. The dosage is typically 1 drop three times per day for 7 days to treat the eye infection. Currently it's available only as a brand-name medication as a generic is not yet available. Side effects aren't common, but include eye redness.

Indications for Besivance

Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people ages 1 year and older

Pros and Cons for Besivance

Pros

Applied directly to the eye to target the infection
Side effects aren't common and are usually mild
Can be used in children as young as 1 year old

Cons

Can cause temporary eye redness or irritation
Can take days before you get symptom relief
No lower-cost generic is available

Common Side Effects for Besivance

Eye redness (2%)

Warnings for Besivance

Only for use on the surface of the eye
New or worsening eye infections

Summary for Ciprofloxacin

Prescription only

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It can treat many types of bacterial infections, including sinus infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). But because ciprofloxacin (Cipro) can cause serious side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, it's usually only prescribed for more serious infections or when there aren't any safer options. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. It's available as a pill and oral solution. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea and diarrhea.

Indications for Ciprofloxacin

Adults only

Adults and children

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Anthrax exposure through inhalation
Plague

Pros and Cons for Ciprofloxacin

Pros

Can take with or without food
Available as tablets, oral liquid, and injection
Possible option for people with penicillin allergy

Cons

Taken twice daily
Has many potentially serious side effects and risks (e.g., nerve issues, irregular heartbeat)
Interacts with many medications, including metformin and warfarin (Coumadin)

Common Side Effects for Ciprofloxacin

Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Rash
Abnormal liver blood test results

Warnings for Ciprofloxacin

Tendon inflammation and rupture
Effects on the brain, nerves, and mental health
Worsening of myasthenia gravis
Severe allergic and skin reactions
Liver damage
Severe damage to a major blood vessel
Infectious diarrhea
Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
Muscle, bone, or joint problems in children
Sun and light sensitivity
Kidney problems

Prices with our coupons for Besivance vs. Ciprofloxacin

Besivance1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.6%

$140.62$237.63

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Ciprofloxacin14 tablets / 500mg

$10.88$14.16

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Besivance vs. Ciprofloxacin

Besivance

Ciprofloxacin

Summary for Besivance

Indications for Besivance

Pros and Cons for Besivance

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Besivance

Warnings for Besivance

Summary for Ciprofloxacin

Indications for Ciprofloxacin

Pros and Cons for Ciprofloxacin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ciprofloxacin

Warnings for Ciprofloxacin

Prices with our coupons for Besivance vs. Ciprofloxacin

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Besivance

Ciprofloxacin

Summary for Besivance

Indications for Besivance

Pros and Cons for Besivance

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Besivance

Warnings for Besivance

Summary for Ciprofloxacin

Indications for Ciprofloxacin

Pros and Cons for Ciprofloxacin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ciprofloxacin

Warnings for Ciprofloxacin