Antibiotic choices for Conjunctivitis eyes disease

Conjunctivitis                                                                                                                                                                                Management

Can be viral, bacterial or allergic. Bacterial infection is usually associated with mucopurulent discharge.

Most bacterial conjunctivitis is self-limiting and the majority of people improve without treatment, in two to five days.

In newborn infants, consider Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, in which case, do not use topical treatment. Collect eye swabs, and refer to a Paediatrician    

Common pathogens

Viruses, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus

Less commonly: Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Antibiotic treatment

Conjunctivitis
First choice

Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops

Adult and child > 2 years: 1 – 2 drops, every two hours for the first 24 hours, then every four hours +/– chloramphenicol eye ointment at night until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared

Alternatives

Fusidic acid eye gel

Adult and child: 1 drop, twice daily until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared