Besivance Approved for Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Contagious condition often called 'pink eye'

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FRIDAY, May 29 (HealthDay News) -- Besivance (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6 percent) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, often dubbed "pink eye."

The contagious infection is characterized by red eyes, swelling, sticky eyelids, itching, watering, and white or yellow discharge. Though common in children, it can occur in people of any age. The bacterial condition usually runs its course in two weeks or less.

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In clinical testing, adverse reactions from the eye drops were reported in fewer than 3 percent of people who used the drug, the FDA said in a news release. They included blurry vision, headache, and eye pain, irritation, and itching.

Besivance is manufactured by Rochester, N.Y.-based Bausch & Lomb.

More information

This drug's history is available at the FDA's Web site.

-- Scott Roberts