From the Guidelines
The treatment for conjunctivitis (pink eye) should be directed at the root cause, with a focus on symptom relief for viral conjunctivitis and targeted treatment for bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis. For viral conjunctivitis, which is the most common type, treatment focuses on symptom relief while the infection runs its course over 7-14 days, using artificial tears several times daily to soothe irritation, and applying cold compresses to the affected eye for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times daily to reduce inflammation 1. For bacterial conjunctivitis, a 5- to 7-day course of a broad-spectrum topical antibiotic, such as Polytrim (polymyxin B-trimethoprim) or Vigamox (moxifloxacin), can be effective in reducing symptoms and shortening the duration of the infection, with the choice of antibiotic usually being empiric 1. Some key points to consider when treating conjunctivitis include:
- Avoiding the indiscriminate use of topical antibiotics or corticosteroids, as they can induce toxicity or worsen certain infections 1
- Using antihistamine eye drops, such as Pataday (olopatadine) or Zaditor (ketotifen), for allergic conjunctivitis, used twice daily
- Practicing good hygiene, such as avoiding touching the eyes, washing hands frequently, using separate towels and pillowcases, and discarding eye makeup, to prevent spreading or reinfection
- Seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen, vision becomes affected, or the condition doesn't improve within a week, as more targeted treatment may be needed.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: For the treatment of superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by Bacitracin susceptible organisms. INDICATIONS AND USAGE For the treatment of superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by organisms susceptible to erythromycin. The treatment for conjunctivitis (pink eye) is topical antibiotic ointment, such as:
- Bacitracin (2)
- Erythromycin (3) The ointment should be applied 1 to 3 times daily directly into the conjunctival sac (2).