Conjunctivitis (Antimicrobial) | Right Decisions

Right Decisions
TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
ADULT THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES
ANTIMICROBIAL GUIDANCE
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Eye (Antimicrobial)
Conjunctivitis (Antimicrobial)

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Self care: bath/clean eyelids with cotton wool dipped in sterile saline or boiled and cooled water to remove crusting.

Treat if severe, as most viral or self-limiting. Consider a delayed prescription to commence treatment after 3 days if symptoms have not improved. Contact lenses should not be worn until infective symptoms resolve.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting; it is characterised by red eye with mucopurulent, not watery, discharge; 65% resolve on placebo by day five, 74% resolve by day 7.

Drug details

If severe

Chloramphenicol 0.5% drop 2 hourly for 2 days then 4 hourly (whilst awake)
PLUS 1% ointment at night

For 48 hours after resolution

Second line

Fusidic acid 1% gel. Apply twice daily.

For 48 hours after resolution

Last reviewed: 23/02/2023

Next review date: 28/02/2026

Author(s): Antimicrobial Management Team.

Approved By: TAM subgroup of ADTC

Reviewer name(s): Alison Macdonald, Area Antimicrobial Pharmacist.

Document Id: AMT111