| Dose |
Empiric approach |
Erythromycin 5 mg/gram ophthalmic ointment | 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) 4 times daily for 5 to 7 days |
OR |
Trimethoprim-polymyxin B 0.1%-10,000 units/mL ophthalmic drops | 1 to 2 drops 4 times daily for 5 to 7 days |
OR |
Ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic drops (preferred agent in contact lens wearer) | 1 to 2 drops 4 times daily for 5 to 7 days |
OR |
Ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic drops (preferred agent in contact lens wearer) | 1 to 2 drops 4 times daily for 5 to 7 days |
Specific approach |
Bacterial conjunctivitis* |
Erythromycin 5 mg/gram ophthalmic ointment | 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) 4 times daily for 5 to 7 days |
OR |
Trimethoprim-polymyxin B 0.1%-10,000 units/mL ophthalmic drops | 1 to 2 drops 4 times daily for 5 to 7 days |
OR |
Bacitracin-polymyxin B 500 units-10,000 units/gram ophthalmic ointment | 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) 4 to 6 times daily for 5 to 7 days |
OR |
Bacitracin 500 units/gram ophthalmic ointment | 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) 4 to 6 times daily for 5 to 7 days |
OR |
Ofloxacin 0.3% (preferred agent in contact lens wearers) | 1 to 2 drops 4 times daily for 5 to 7 days |
OR |
Ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic drops (preferred agent in contact lens wearer) | 1 to 2 drops 4 times daily for 5 to 7 days |
OR |
Azithromycin 1% ophthalmic drops | 1 drop twice a day for 2 days; then 1 drop daily for 5 days |
Viral conjunctivitis |
Antihistamine/decongestant drops (OTC) | 1 to 2 drops 4 times daily as needed for no more than 3 weeks |
Allergic conjunctivitis |
Antihistamine/decongestant drops (OTC) | 1 to 2 drops 4 times daily as needed for no more than 4 weeks |
Mast cell stabilizer/antihistamine drops | Generally, 1 to 2 drops 1 to 3 times daily (regimens vary by medication) |
Non-specific conjunctivitis |
Eye lubricant drops (OTC) | 1 to 2 drops every up to 6 times daily as needed |
AND/OR |
Eye lubricant ointment (OTC) | 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) at bedtime or 4 times daily as needed |