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Are there any prescription treatments for conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, also called "pink eye," is inflammation of the lining that covers the inside of the eyelid and surface of the eye (conjunctiva). Symptoms include red, weepy, itchy, or painful eyes. In many cases there is a clear or creamy discharge from the eye. The most common causes of conjunctivitis are bacteria, viruses, or an allergy to dust, mold, or pollen.

Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic ointment or antibiotic eye drops if you have bacterial conjunctivitis. Antibiotics commonly used to treat conjunctivitis include erythromycin , gentamicin (brand name Garamycin), Sodium Sulamyd (Sulamyd), and trimethoprim with polymyxin (Polytrim).

If needed oral antihistamines, like loratidine (Claritin) or fexofenadine (Allegra), help with itching and irritation from allergic conjunctivitis. They're a good choice for people who have a lot of drowsiness with over-the-counter antihistamines.

Eye drops that contain corticosteroids, like >prednisolone (Pred Forte) or the medicine >cromolyn (Crolom), are sometimes prescribed for severe itching, redness, or inflammation from allergic conjunctivitis.

Viral conjunctivitis will resolve on its own. The symptoms will subside after a few days, but it can take up to two or three weeks to completely disappear.

Keep in mind that bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are very contagious. To avoid spreading the infection, wash your hands frequently and don't share towels or eye makeup.

Sources:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Diseases and Conditions, “PinkEye (Conjunctivitis)”. www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 12/2006.

This answer prepared 12/13/2000.
This information updated 2/7/2007.