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Vigamox vs. Besivance

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

Key takeaways

Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) and Besifloxacin (Besivance) are both fluoroquinolone antibiotic eye drops used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) is available in both brand-name and generic forms, while Besifloxacin (Besivance) is only available as a brand-name medication. Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) can be used in people of all ages, including infants, whereas Besifloxacin (Besivance) is approved for use in adults and children 1 year and older. Both medications are typically dosed as one drop in the affected eye(s) three times a day for seven days. Common side effects for both include eye redness and irritation, but Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) can also cause dry eye, blurry vision, and watery eyes. While both medications are effective, the choice between them may depend on age and specific bacterial coverage.

Moxifloxacin

(Vigamox)

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Besivance

(besifloxacin)

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Summary for Vigamox

Prescription only

Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people of all ages. It's an eye drop that's placed in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day for 7 days. Side effects aren't common but can include dry eye, eye pain, eye redness, and itchy eyes. This medication is available as a brand-name and generic version.

Indications for Vigamox

Pros and Cons for Vigamox

Pros

  • Can typically start to improve symptoms in a few days
  • Generally used less often during the day than alternatives
  • Safe to use in children and infants
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Need to use 3 times a day
  • Can cause eye discomfort
  • Might be difficult for some people to use properly

Common Side Effects for Vigamox

  • Eye inflammation or redness (up to 6%)
  • Blurry vision (up to 6%)
  • Dry eye (up to 6%)
  • Eye irritation, pain, or itching (up to 6%)
  • Watery eye (up to 6%)

Warnings for Vigamox

  • For use in the eye only
  • Risk of developing new infection
  • Don't wear contact lenses
  • Severe allergic reaction

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

Prices with our coupons for Vigamox vs. Besivance

Price Card Drug Icon
Moxifloxacin1 eye dropper / 3ml of 0.5%
$16.48$213.86
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Price Card Drug Icon
Besivance1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.6%
$140.05$248.49
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