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Besivance vs. Ciprofloxacin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Besivance

(besifloxacin)

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Ciprofloxacin

(Cipro)

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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

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

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

Price Card Drug Icon
Besivance1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.6%
$140.05$247.80
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Ciprofloxacin14 tablets / 500mg
$10.88$13.05
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