NEW DRUGS DRUG NEWS NEW DRUGS Eyedrops for Bacterial Conjunctivitis

NEW DRUGS Eyedrops for Bacterial Conjunctivitis The FDA has approved besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% (Besivance, Bausch & Lomb), a topical eyedrop for patients with nonviral bacterial conjunctivitis. Bacterial forms of conjunctivitis are common in childhood, but they can occur in people of any age. Symptoms can include reddened eyes, swelling, eyelids sticking together, itching, watering, and a sticky discharge from the eyes. The course usually lasts for 7 to 14 days. In clinical trials, the infection resolved more quickly for patients using besifloxacin eyedrops than for those using a solution containing only a preservative. The drug was effective in patients one year of age and older. Adverse events included redness of the eyes, blurred vision, eye pain, and headache. Source: FDA, May 28, 2009