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, as outlined in the most recent guidelines 1. When treating conjunctivitis, it is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of different treatment approaches.
- For viral conjunctivitis, which is the most common type, treatment focuses on symptom relief, as it typically resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks 1.
- For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops such as Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim (Polytrim) or erythromycin ointment are prescribed, typically used 4 times daily for 5-7 days until symptoms resolve.
- Allergic conjunctivitis responds well to antihistamine eye drops like ketotifen (Zaditor) or olopatadine (Pataday), used as directed on the package. It is crucial to avoid touching the eyes, wash hands frequently, use separate towels and pillowcases, and discard eye makeup to prevent spreading or reinfection, as conjunctivitis is highly contagious, especially bacterial and viral types 1. If symptoms worsen, vision becomes affected, or there's severe pain or sensitivity to light, seek immediate medical attention, as these could indicate a more serious condition that requires evaluation by an ophthalmologist 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
For the treatment of superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by organisms susceptible to erythromycin. In the treatment of superficial ocular infections, erythromycin ophthalmic ointment approximately 1 cm in length should be applied directly to the infected eye(s) up to six times daily, depending on the severity of the infection.
The treatment for conjunctivitis (pink eye) is erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, applied directly to the infected eye(s) up to six times daily, depending on the severity of the infection 2 2.
- The ointment should be approximately 1 cm in length.
- The treatment is for superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by organisms susceptible to erythromycin.