Medicines to Treat Conjunctivitis

Definition

Conjunctivitis is an "inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the inner layer of the eyelids and the eyeball. There are several forms of conjunctivitis, classified on the basis of the triggering element:

Allergic conjunctivitis
Infectious (bacterial / viral) conjunctivitis
Irritative conjunctivitis

Causes

Allergic-type conjunctivitis is due to allergens (essentially pollen, hypersensitivity to drugs or preservatives); the infectious form of conjunctivitis is the result of bacterial insults (staphylococcus, streptococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae) or viral (Herpes simplex, Herpes zoster). Finally, irritative conjunctivitis is caused by the presence of foreign bodies in the eye, physical elements, chemicals or skin diseases.

Symptoms

The intensity of the symptoms accompanying conjunctivitis varies according to the type of inflammation: in general, the conjunctiva appears red and swollen, and the affected eye tears, creating irritation, sometimes itching and morning crusts (due to tearing). Viral conjunctivitis is most often characterized by marked conjunctival hyperaemia and, sometimes, by preauricular lymphadenopathy. In the most severe forms (eg complicated allergic conjunctivitis), inflammation of the conjunctiva can also affect the cornea.

The information on Conjunctivitis - Conjunctivitis Treatment Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Conjunctivitis - Conjunctivitis Treatment Drugs.

Medicines

In the absence of primary pathologies, conjunctivitis is not considered a "serious inflammation, except, of course, for some particularly aggressive forms; however, in most cases, conjunctivitis does not interfere with vision, although the prodromas are rather eye irritants.
Although it is not a serious disease, conjunctivitis must be treated with specific drugs, given its potential contagiousness after the onset of symptoms.
Treatment of conjunctivitis for patients who wear contact lenses must be undertaken with great care, as the inflammation could degenerate into corneal trauma, permanently obstructing vision.

The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against conjunctivitis, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Antibiotics: Antibiotic treatment for conjunctivitis is indicated for bacterial forms. Typically, medications are available in the form of eye drops or eye ointments; the method of administration and the duration of therapy depend on the severity of the infection and the type of bacteria involved:

Chloramphenicol (eg Vitamphenicol, Mycetin, Chemicetina): the antibiotic has a broad spectrum of action, which means that it is active against several pathogens; in this regard, it is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis when the implicated bacterium has not yet been isolated. Consult your doctor.
Ciprofloxacin (eg. Ciprofloxac, Samper, Ciproxin, Kinox): the antibiotic drug (quinolones) should be taken at a dosage of 1-2 drops in the affected eye (s) every two hours for the first two days of therapy; subsequently, continue the treatment by instilling 1-2 drops every 4 hours, for 5 days.
Levofloxacin (eg. Levofloxacin, Levixiran, Aranda): instill 1-2 drops of levofloxacin (0.5%) in the eye affected by conjunctivitis every 2 hours during the first day of therapy; continue from the third day by instilling 1-2 drops in the "affected eye every 4 hours, no more than 4 times a day.
Gentamicin (eg. Gentamicin, Ciclozinil, Genbrix, Gentalyn): aminoglycoside antibiotic. For the treatment of conjunctivitis from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, instill 1 drop of eye drops in the conjunctival sac of the affected eye, 2-4 times a day. For the first two days of therapy, it is possible to increase the frequency of application of the product. Consult your doctor. The drug is also available in combination with prednisolone.
Fusidic acid (eg Fucidin): for the treatment of staphylococcal conjunctivitis. For dosage: consult your doctor.

Viral conjunctivitis: for the viral forms of conjunctivitis, no treatment is generally necessary, since there is no topically applied drug active against the responsible virus. However, to alleviate the symptoms, it is possible to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops (NSAIDs); cortisones are used only rarely.

Diclofenac (eg Dropflam 1MG / ML COLLIRI.5ML, Voltaren Ofta 20FL MON.0,3ML): to relieve inflammation and to decrease pain associated with conjunctivitis it is recommended to instill a drop of product (eye drops) 4-5 times a day.
Ketorolac (eg. Ketorolac ACV 20MG / ML 10ML): although indicated mostly to treat post-operative ocular inflammations, it is sometimes indicated for viral conjunctivitis. Consult your doctor.
Dexamethasone (eg. Decadron, SOLDESAM, Luxazone 0.2%, Visumetazone COLL. 3ML 0.1%, Luxazone UNG. OFT. 3G 0.2%): in the form of eye drops, apply the product 4-6 times a day, or every 30-60 minutes in case of severe infection. Continue therapy until symptoms reduce. In the form of a cream, apply the product 3-4 times a day. Consult your doctor.

The administration of NSAIDs is also indicated for the prevention of relapsing forms of conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis: for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, the most suitable drugs are antiallergic drugs (eye drops); in case of severity, it is also possible to use antihistamines (per os or for topical application) and corticosteroids.

Olopatadine (opatanol): in addition to conjunctivitis, the antihistamine drug is used in therapy for the treatment of hay fever. It is recommended to instill a drop of product in one or both affected eyes, every 8 hours.
Emedastine (eg. Emadine): this eye drops is one of the most used for the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Instill a drop of the drug twice a day. Do not use the drug for more than six weeks.
Azelastine (eg Lasticom): particularly indicated for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis: it is recommended to apply one drop in the affected eye, twice a day. Increase the frequency of administration as needed, after consulting a doctor.
Ketotifen (eg Zaditen): instill a drop in the eyes affected by conjunctivitis, every 8-12 hours.
Antazoline (eg. Antistin Privina COLL. 10 ML, Antaz NA FN COLL 10ML): the active principle is available alone or in association with naphazoline. Instill two drops of active, 2-4 times a day.

For the most severe forms of allergic conjunctivitis (e.g. keratoconjunctivitis) it is possible to administer other antiallergic eye drops such as:

Sodium Chromoglycate (eg Lomudal Eye Drops GTT 10ML 4%, Cromabak 20MG / ML COLL10ML): instill the drug 4 times a day.
Nedocromil sodium (eg. Tilade 10MG / 2ML): for the treatment of complicated allergic conjunctivitis, it is recommended to administer the product in the affected eye (or both) twice a day; in severe cases, instill the drops four times a day. day Do not use the drug for more than 3 months.
Lodoxamide (eg Alomide 0.1% 20F COLL.0.5 ML, Alomide 0.1% Eye drops 5 ML): the drug is instilled 4 times a day in one or both eyes affected by conjunctivitis.