Douglas J. Rhee, MD

Drug Trade Dosage NotesAny bland ophthalmic ointment (bacitracin, TID for 10 days Smothers lice and nitserythromycin) to eyelidsORphysostigmine Eserine Oint, 0.25% 2 applications to lids 1 week apart;has significant ocular sideeffects; rarely used(5) Conjunctivitis(a) ViralAntibacterial medications are not indicated in most viral conjunctivitis unless significant corneal epithelial damage then they are usedto prevent secondary bacterial infections. For symptomatic improvement, consider artificial tears, ocular decongestant/antihistamine (i.e.,naphazoline /pheniramine ), topical nonsteroidals, and cool compresses.(b) BacterialIf bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected, Gram stain, culture appropriately and start on a broad spectrum topical agent (e.g., polymyxin /trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin 4–8×/day or gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin 3–6×/day). Certain etiologies (i.e., Neisseriagonorrhea ) are relative emergencies and should be managed according to specific regimens.(c) NeonatalMost commonly caused by Chlamydia trachomatis , Strep. viridans , Staph. aureus , Haemophilus infl uenzae , group BStreptococcus ,Moraxella catarrhalis , or Neisseria gonorrhea . Treatment is guided by Gram stain (which should be performed immediatelyto identify N.gonorrhea) and culture results. N. gonorrhea and C. trachomatis have specific regimens as described. If not gonococcal orchlamydial, may use erythromycin or bacitracin ointment Q4–6 hr. as the only initial treatment. In the United States, neonatal conjunctivitsis most commonly chlamydial.Antibacterial Agents 17