Purulent Conjunctivitis

Antimicrobial prescribing: NHS Forth Valley
NHS Forth Valley

Micro Organisms

Staph. aureus, Strep. pyogenes, Strep. pneumonia, Haemophillus spp., Moraxella catarrhalis

First Line

Therapy

Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops - 2 hourly for 2 days then reduce frequency to 3-4 times daily. Continue for 48 hours after resolution

PLUS

Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment - apply at night

Notes:

Fusidic acid 1% eye drops has less gram negative activity and should be used second line if sensitivities support use.

 

Remove contact lenses until all symptoms and signs of infection have resolved and treatment complete for 24 hours