Template:Bacterial Conjunctivitis Treatment

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Counsel patient/family on importance of hand hygiene/avoiding touching face to prevent spread!
• Apply warm or cool compresses (for comfort and cleansing) every 4 hours, followed by instillation of ophthalmic antibiotic solutions

These options do not cover gonococcal or chlamydial infections

• Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim (Polytrim) 2 drops every 6 hours for 7 days OR
• Erythromycin applied to the conjunctiva q6hrs for 7 days OR
• Levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution 1-2 drops every 2 hours for 2 days THEN every 6 hours for 5 days OR
• Moxifloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic 1-2 drops every 2 hours for 2 days THEN every 6 hours for 5 days OR
• Gatifloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution 1-2 drops every 2 hours for 2 days THEN 1 drop every 6 hours for 5 days OR
• Azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution 1 drop BID for 2 days THEN 1 drop daily for 5 days
• Chloramphenicol 0.5% ophthalmic solution 1 drop QID for 7 days

NB: levofloxacin is preferred for contact lens wearers for coverage of pseudomonas. Advise not to wear contacts for duration of treatment

Pediatric

Same topical regimens as adults; erythromycin ointment preferred in neonates and young infants

• Erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment applied q6hrs x 7 days (preferred in neonates/infants) OR
• Moxifloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic 1 drop TID x 7 days OR
• Azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution 1 drop BID x 2 days then daily x 5 days