Conjunctivitis

Treat if severe, as most viral or self-limiting.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually unilateral and also self-limiting. It is characterised by red eye with mucopurulent, not watery, discharge; 65% resolve on placebo by day five.

Drug details

Drug

If severe:
Chloramphenicol 0.5% drop

± 1% ointment

 

Dosage

2 hourly for 2 days then 4 hourly (whilst awake)

Ointment if used should be applied at night.

Duration

For 48 hours after resolution

Drug

Second Line:
Gentamicin 0.3% drops

Dosage

2 hourly for 2 days then 4 hourly (whilst awake)

Duration

For 48 hours after resolution

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 22/03/2021

Next review date: 22/03/2024

Author(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee, Dr Dundas, Dr Hylands, S McCormick.

Approved By: AMC; ADTC

Reviewer name(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee.