Symptom Finder - Treatment of Conjunctivitis
CONJUNCTIVITIS
1. Before prescribing, be sure visual acuity is normal and pupil are ERLA (If there is any question of iritis or glaucoma refer to ophthalmologist).
2. If there is unilateral involvement the etiology is usually bacterial, so treat with one of the following:
a. Sodium sulfacetamide ophthalmic drops (Sulamyd): 1–2 gtt in each eye q2–3hrs (be sure patient is not allergic to sulfa).
b. Tobramycin ophthalmic drops (Tobrex): 1–2 gtt q4hrs.
c. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic drops (Ciloxan): 1–2 drops q2– 3hrs.
3. If infection is bilateral and you are not sure it is allergic conjunctivitis, treat with Cortisporin ophthalmic drops gtt 2 in each eye q4hrs or Tobramycin/dexamethasone drops.
4. If certain it is allergic conjunctivitis, treat with dexamethasone ophthalmic drops gtt 2 in each eye q3–4hrs.
5. In the absence of visual difficulties, poor response to antibiotics or steroids suggests viral conjunctivitis which can be treated with artificial tears.
6. In refractory cases, refer to ophthalmologist.
1. Before prescribing, be sure visual acuity is normal and pupil are ERLA (If there is any question of iritis or glaucoma refer to ophthalmologist).
2. If there is unilateral involvement the etiology is usually bacterial, so treat with one of the following:
a. Sodium sulfacetamide ophthalmic drops (Sulamyd): 1–2 gtt in each eye q2–3hrs (be sure patient is not allergic to sulfa).
b. Tobramycin ophthalmic drops (Tobrex): 1–2 gtt q4hrs.
c. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic drops (Ciloxan): 1–2 drops q2– 3hrs.
3. If infection is bilateral and you are not sure it is allergic conjunctivitis, treat with Cortisporin ophthalmic drops gtt 2 in each eye q4hrs or Tobramycin/dexamethasone drops.
4. If certain it is allergic conjunctivitis, treat with dexamethasone ophthalmic drops gtt 2 in each eye q3–4hrs.
5. In the absence of visual difficulties, poor response to antibiotics or steroids suggests viral conjunctivitis which can be treated with artificial tears.
6. In refractory cases, refer to ophthalmologist.
