From the Research
For bacterial conjunctivitis in a 1 year 7 month old infant, Fucithalmic eye drops (fusidic acid 1%) are typically administered as one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, as this regimen has been shown to be effective in treating the infection while minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance and promoting better compliance due to its less frequent dosing schedule 1. The treatment should continue for 7 days, even if symptoms improve earlier, to ensure complete eradication of the infection. When administering, gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket and place the drop there, then have the child close their eyes for 1-2 minutes to allow absorption. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface including the eye to prevent contamination. Wash hands before and after application. Fucithalmic forms a gel when it contacts the eye, providing prolonged contact time with the ocular surface, which is why it requires less frequent dosing than some other antibiotic eye drops. If symptoms worsen or don't improve after 48 hours, consult a healthcare provider as a different antibiotic may be needed. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting, but antibiotic treatment helps reduce contagion and speeds recovery. Some studies have suggested that the use of antibiotics for conjunctivitis may not always be necessary, and the decision to prescribe should be based on the severity of the infection and the risk of complications 2. However, in the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic treatment is often recommended to reduce the risk of transmission and promote faster recovery. It's worth noting that the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2021, which highlights the importance of judicious use of antibiotics for conjunctivitis, but does not provide specific guidance on the dosage of Fucithalmic eye drops for infants 2. Therefore, the recommended dosage is based on earlier studies, such as the one from 2002, which demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Fucithalmic eye drops in treating bacterial conjunctivitis in children 1.