Medications 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:

1. Allergic conjunctivitis
2. Infectious conjunctivitis (bacterial / viral)
3. Irritative conjunctivitis

Causes

Allergic-type conjunctivitis is due to allergens (essentially pollens, 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 pathologies.

Symptoms

The intensity of the symptoms that accompany 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 scabs (caused by tearing). Viral conjunctivitis is characterized, in most cases, by a marked conjunctival hyperemia and, sometimes, by a preauricular lymphadenopathy. In more severe forms (eg complicated allergic conjunctivitis), inflammation of the conjunctiva can also affect the cornea.

Information on conjunctivitis - drugs for the treatment of conjunctivitis is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Conjunctivitis - Conjunctivitis Drugs.

drugs

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 prodromes are rather irritating to the eye.

Although not a serious disease, conjunctivitis must be treated with specific drugs, given its potential contagiousness after symptoms appear.

The treatment of conjunctivitis for contact lens patients must be undertaken very carefully, as inflammation could degenerate into corneal trauma, permanently obstructing vision.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

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

• Chloramphenicol (eg Vitamin phenolic, Mycetin, Chemicetin): the antibiotic has a broad spectrum of action, which means that it is active against more pathogens; in this regard, it is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis when the bacterium involved has not yet been isolated. Consult your doctor.
• Ciprofloxacin (eg. Ciprofloxac, Samper, Ciproxin, Kinox): the antibiotic drug (quinolones) should be taken in the posology of 1-2 drops in the affected eye / eyes every two hours for the first two days of therapy; then, 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, not 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, the frequency of application of the product can be increased. Consult your doctor. the drug is also available associated with prednisolone.
• Fusidic acid (eg Fucidin): for the treatment of staphylococcal conjunctivitis. For the dosage: consult your doctor.

Viral conjunctivitis : for the viral forms of conjunctivitis, generally no treatment is necessary, since there is no drug with topical application active towards the responsible virus. However, to lighten the symptoms, it is possible to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops (NSAIDs); cortisonics are used only rarely.

• Diclofenac (eg. Dropflam 1MG / ML COLLIR.5ML, Voltaren Ofta 20FL MON.0, 3ML): it is recommended to instill a drop of product (eye drops) 4-5 times a day to cause inflammation and decrease pain associated with conjunctivitis.
• Ketorolac (eg Ketorolac ACV 20MG / ML 10ML): although mostly indicated to treat post-operative eye inflammation, it is sometimes indicated for viral conjunctivitis. Consult your doctor.
• Dexamethasone (eg Decadron, SOLDESAM, Luxazone 0.2%, Visumetazone COLL. 3ML 0.1%, Luxazone HUNG 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 are reduced. 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 recurrent forms of conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis : for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, the most indicated drugs are antiallergics (eye drops); in the event of gravity, it is also possible to use antihistamines (orally or topically) 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 drop is one of the most used for the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Instill a drop of medicine 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 a drop in the affected eye, twice a day. Increase the frequency of administration as needed, after consulting a doctor.
• Ketotifene (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 ingredient is available alone or in combination with naphazoline. Instill two drops of active, 2-4 times a day.

For more severe forms of allergic conjunctivitis (eg keratoconjunctivitis) it is possible to administer other antiallergic eye drops such as:

• Sodium Chromoglycate (eg Lomudal Collirio 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. Do not use the drug for more than 3 months.
• Lodoxamide (eg Alomide 0.1% 20F COLL.0.5 ML, Alomide 0.1% Collirio 5 ML): the drug should be instilled 4 times a day in one or both eyes affected by conjunctivitis.