From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
No antibiotic should be administered after bleach exposure to the eyes, as the primary issue is chemical damage to ocular tissues, not infection. Instead, immediate irrigation with copious amounts of clean water or saline solution for at least 15-20 minutes is the appropriate first-line treatment 1. After irrigation, seek immediate medical attention at an emergency department or from an ophthalmologist. Some key points to consider in the management of bleach exposure to the eyes include:
- The importance of prompt irrigation to minimize tissue damage
- The potential for chemical injuries to cause corneal epithelial damage, conjunctival inflammation, and in severe cases, permanent vision impairment
- The role of healthcare providers in prescribing lubricating eye drops, anti-inflammatory medications, or pain relievers depending on the severity of the injury
- The potential for prophylactic antibiotic eye drops to be prescribed if there is concern about secondary infection risk after the chemical injury, but this is not the initial treatment 2, 3, 4, 5. It's also worth noting that while antibiotics may not be indicated for chemical injuries from bleach, they may be prescribed prophylactically in certain situations, such as when there is a high risk of secondary infection. However, this decision should be made on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider. In terms of specific antibiotics, besifloxacin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of ocular surface bacterial infections, with high rates of clinical resolution and bacterial eradication 1. However, this is not relevant to the initial treatment of bleach exposure to the eyes, which should focus on irrigation and removal of the caustic chemical.