Eye drops for conjunctivitis

Almost everyone has ever had to deal with conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the eyes that occurs with severe pain, swelling, itching, and lacrimation. With conjunctivitis, the skin around the eyes becomes dry, the whites become red, the person feels a burning sensation in the eyes, as if sand had been poured in, and in some cases suppuration occurs.

If symptoms of conjunctivitis appear, it is better to consult a specialist as soon as possible; self-treatment of eye inflammation is not recommended. Only a doctor should prescribe any medications (drops, ointments, creams).

Before treating the disease, it is necessary to determine the nature of the inflammation: bacterial, viral, allergic. Eye drops for conjunctivitis are selected taking into account what caused the inflammatory process.

Bacterial conjunctivitis develops as a result of various bacteria (most often staphylococci or streptococci) getting on the eye membrane. In viral inflammation, the cause of the disease is viruses (coxsackie, adenoviruses, etc.). In allergic conjunctivitis, the cause of inflammation is an allergy to external irritants (chemicals, animal hair, cosmetics, medications, etc.). Most often, allergic conjunctivitis occurs against the background of allergic rhinitis or skin rashes, less often bronchial asthma. Viral and bacterial eye inflammation is contagious, so caution should be exercised when communicating with people who have signs of conjunctivitis.

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Indications for use

Eye drops for conjunctivitis are prescribed for inflammation of the eyes, which occurs with lacrimation, redness, and suppuration.

A common cause of conjunctivitis is infection and poor personal hygiene, especially in childhood.

Conjunctivitis can be bacterial, viral, allergic. Depending on what caused the disease, treatment is prescribed.

Release form

Eye drops for conjunctivitis are available as a solution in special dropper bottles.

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Pharmacodynamics

Eye drops for conjunctivitis, depending on the pathogen, can belong to the antiviral or antibacterial group. Drops for conjunctivitis are used locally. Most drugs have immunomodulatory, analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory properties. These drugs promote tissue regeneration, have antiviral or antibacterial activity.

Pharmacokinetics

Antibacterial eye drops for conjunctivitis have a bacteriostatic effect on most gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. The effect of some drugs is not only local, for example, levomycetin partially penetrates into the bloodstream.

Antiallergic drugs for conjunctivitis contain antihistamines, which help fight allergic reactions. The drugs also promote tissue regeneration, reduce swelling, itching, inflammation, and nourish the mucous membrane of the eye.

Method of administration and dosage

Eye drops for conjunctivitis are prescribed 1-2 drops in the affected eye. They should be instilled every 2-4 hours, after noticeable improvements the interval between instillations should be increased.

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Children's eye drops for conjunctivitis

If a child's eye is red, it should be shown to a specialist as soon as possible. Conjunctivitis can develop for various reasons, in some cases the disease goes away on its own, without special treatment, in others medication is necessary.

Infectious conjunctivitis in a child can be caused by bacteria or viruses. The disease can be provoked by the same microorganisms that cause colds, sore throats, otitis, etc. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections: gonorrhea, chlamydia.

There is also an allergic type of conjunctivitis, which can be caused by small particles in the air that irritate the eye membrane. The culprits of an allergic reaction can be pollen, grass, animal hair, household chemicals, exhaust gases, cigarette smoke.

Often, a mother who falls ill before giving birth infects her child. In this case, if the newborn is not treated in a timely manner, this can cause serious complications, including loss of vision.

It is important to know that infectious conjunctivitis, unlike allergic conjunctivitis, is dangerous to others. Coughing, using the same towel or personal belongings of a sick person can cause infection of healthy children.

If only one eye is inflamed, it is important to ensure that the child does not transfer the infection to the other eye with his or her hands.

Eye drops for conjunctivitis are prescribed by a specialist depending on the nature of the disease. If there are sufficient grounds, the doctor may prescribe only eye rinsing, compresses, etc. Usually, the disease completely goes away in a few days. During treatment, it is important to stay in bed, regularly instill disinfectants, antibacterial or antiviral drugs.

As a rule, Levomycetin is prescribed for the treatment of conjunctivitis in children (from 4 months), which is well tolerated by patients.

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Names of eye drops for conjunctivitis

Eye drops for conjunctivitis differ in their effect, so the drugs are selected depending on the type of disease.

In medicine, there are several types: antibacterial, antiviral, and allergenic.

In case of viral conjunctivitis, antiviral drugs should be used:

• tebrofen
• floxal
• gludantan
• Florenal
• albucid
• tobrex

For allergic conjunctivitis, the following eye drops are prescribed:

• lacrysifine
• claritin
• cortisone
• oftadek

For the bacterial form of the disease, antibacterial eye drops are used:

• albucid
• levomycetin
• norsulfazole
• gentamicin
• tobrex
• floxal

These drugs are the main ones for the treatment of conjunctivitis, but the choice should be made by a specialist, taking into account the severity of the disease and individual characteristics.

Eye drops levomycetin for conjunctivitis

Levomycetin is an antibacterial drug. Levomycetin is active against most bacteria (gram-negative and gram-positive), spirochetes, etc. In addition, Levomycetin destroys some types of large viruses.

The effect of the drug is not only local, it partially penetrates into the circulatory system, therefore long-term treatment with levomycetin (more than three weeks) is not recommended.

Levomycetin is instilled into the affected eye several times a day (3-5 times) 1-2 drops. After improvements occur, the drops should be instilled once every four hours.

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Tobrex eye drops for conjunctivitis

Tobrex is an antibacterial drug that is active against a large number of bacteria. The main substance is tobramycin, which fights staphylococci, intestinal, pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria.

A significant number of group D streptococci are resistant to the drug.

Tobrex is prescribed taking into account the severity of the disease, 1-2 drops every 3-4 hours. In severe cases of the disease, it is recommended to increase the frequency of instillation. In acute conjunctivitis, instillation should be done every 30-60 minutes.

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Eye drops for conjunctivitis albucid

Albucid is used in modern medical practice only for the treatment of eye diseases. There are drops separately for children (20%) and for adults (30%).

Albucid is an antibacterial drug for local use. The substances penetrate well into tissues, mucous membranes, etc. In case of severe inflammation, part of the drug may enter the bloodstream. If the drug enters the blood in excess, some side effects of the drug may appear.

The drug is prescribed 1-2 drops in the affected eye, the intervals between drops are determined by the doctor, based on the severity of the disease and the patient's condition (up to 6 times a day). As the inflammation decreases, the interval between drops is increased.

Eye drops for conjunctivitis ciprolet

Ciprolet is an antibacterial drug of the fluoroquinolone group. This drug has a pronounced antibacterial effect. The main active ingredient, ciprofloxacin, blocks the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms and also destroys bacteria in a dormant state.

In mild or moderate cases of the disease, Albucid is prescribed 1-2 drops in the affected eye every four hours. In severe cases of conjunctivitis, instillation is prescribed every hour. After the acute symptoms have subsided, the intervals between instillations are increased. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease.

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Eye drops for conjunctivitis oftalmoferon

Oftalmoferon is an antibacterial and antiviral agent that is widely used by ophthalmologists. The drug contains interferon alpha 2 and has a powerful immunomodulatory, antibacterial and antiviral effect. Oftalmoferon also relieves inflammation and has a weak analgesic effect.

In case of inflammatory eye diseases, Oftalmoferon eliminates unpleasant sensations, burning, itching and stimulates the restoration of damaged tissues.

In acute conjunctivitis, 1-2 drops are prescribed in the affected eye 6-8 times a day. After the symptoms subside, the drug is instilled 2-3 times a day.

The course of treatment lasts until the symptoms of the disease disappear completely.

Eye drops for conjunctivitis cipromed

Cipromed belongs to the broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs.

The active substance, ciprofloxacin, blocks the ability of pathogenic microflora to reproduce and leads to their death.

The drug is active against gram-negative bacteria, both in active and dormant states. For gram-positive bacteria, Tsipromed is dangerous only in an active state.

Cipromed is effective against microorganisms that are resistant to aminoglycosides, penicillins, tetracyclines, cephalosporins, etc.

Cipromed is prescribed 1-2 drops in the affected eye, the frequency of instillation depends on the severity of the disease and is determined by the doctor individually for each patient.

Eye drops for conjunctivitis floxal

Floxal is an antibacterial drug for local use. The main ingredient of Floxal is ofloxacin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is active against most gram-negative microorganisms, as well as streptococci and staphylococci.

The drug is prescribed 1 drop in the affected eye up to four times a day. The course of treatment lasts until the symptoms disappear completely, but not more than 14 days.

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Eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is not an independent disease. Allergic inflammation of the eyes is caused by some irritant, the elimination of which gradually eliminates the acute manifestations of the disease. If it is impossible to identify and eliminate the allergen, then eye drops for conjunctivitis should be used, which will help remove inflammation and discomfort.

Cortisone drops are a good anti-allergic drug, prescribed 1-2 drops in the affected eye, the interval between drops is determined individually, depending on the patient's condition. The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Claritin is a fairly strong drug that is used for allergic eye inflammations; the drug is prescribed three times a day, 1 drop in the affected eye.

Lacrisifine is a stronger anti-allergic drug, which is also instilled into the affected eye, 1 drop 3 times a day.

Quite effective antiallergic drugs for the eyes are Opatanol, Allergodil, Cromoghexal, Lecrolin.

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Eye drops for viral conjunctivitis

Before starting treatment of viral conjunctivitis, it is necessary to determine the severity of the disease and the state of the immune system. Usually, when this disease develops, drug treatment is required (antiviral ointments, drops, etc.).

Vitamin complexes are also prescribed to stimulate immunity.

Eye drops for conjunctivitis are prescribed when symptoms of inflammation are pronounced.

Such drugs as Oftalmoferon and Acyclovir are widely used in ophthalmological practice to treat viral eye inflammations; artificial tears are also prescribed to relieve severe symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis usually lasts no more than three weeks, but the course of treatment takes about a month, even after all symptoms of the disease have disappeared.

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Eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis usually develops after eyelid trauma, nasal diseases, frostbite. Most often, the causative agents of the disease are streptococci and staphylococci. In some cases, the disease develops after a person has been in a dusty room for a long time.

In bacterial conjunctivitis, as already mentioned, the causative agents of the disease are various bacteria, their reproduction on the mucous membrane of the eye and leads to the appearance of unpleasant sensations (itching, inflammation, redness, swelling, burning). As a rule, in bacterial conjunctivitis, both eyes are affected simultaneously.

Eye drops for conjunctivitis of bacterial origin should have an antibacterial effect: albucid tobrex, oftadex, norsulfazole, floxal.

Usually antibacterial drops for conjunctivitis are instilled into washed eyes three times a day. The dosage is determined individually, depending on the patient's age and the severity of the disease.

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Eye drops for purulent conjunctivitis

Purulent conjunctivitis often affects children. The disease is caused by a purulent infection that gets onto the mucous membrane through dirty hands, a speck of dirt, dust, etc. The disease manifests itself immediately and usually affects both eyes. During the inflammatory process, there is lacrimation, redness, swelling, burning, pus discharge, and eyelid sticking together (especially after a night's rest).

Eye drops for conjunctivitis with purulent discharge are prescribed with antibiotics, since the cause of purulent inflammation is usually bacteria.

For purulent discharge from the eyelid, levomycetin, albucid, oftadek, tobrex, and gentamicin are prescribed.

Standard treatment regimen: 1-2 drops up to 5 times a day.

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Use during pregnancy

Conjunctivitis during pregnancy is dangerous not only for the expectant mother, but also for her child. First of all, the disease is dangerous because it can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth (due to contact of the child's eyes with the mother's bacteria).

Conjunctivitis in newborns can lead to serious pathologies (eye damage, vision loss), so treatment should be started at the first symptoms.

A pregnant woman should take good care of her health, first of all, because of the child that is growing and developing inside her. A woman should pay close attention to personal hygiene and follow a number of rules: do not touch your eyes with dirty hands, use individual personal hygiene items (towels, pillowcases, etc.), regularly wash personal items at high temperatures using detergents, wash your hands often, and regularly update your cosmetics (especially for the eyes).

Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the nature of the disease. Eye drops for conjunctivitis caused by bacteria are prescribed antibacterial agents, for allergic conjunctivitis - the allergen is eliminated and drops with an antihistamine effect are prescribed.

Viral conjunctivitis usually goes away on its own after a few days, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drops that will help restore the mucous membrane and improve the condition. Ancillary treatment (chamomile eye wash) may also be prescribed.

Today, eye drops for conjunctivitis are quite effective and quickly bring relief. The drug should be prescribed by a specialist, taking into account the duration of pregnancy and the nature of the disease.

Contraindications for use

Eye drops for conjunctivitis are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components included in the drug.

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Side effects

Eye drops for conjunctivitis can provoke local allergic reactions. During use, pain, burning, and redness may occur. Some drugs cause swelling of the conjunctiva (connective membrane), ulceration of the cornea.

Drugs that penetrate the bloodstream can disrupt the hematopoietic system (thrombopenia, aplastic anemia) with prolonged use.

Overdose

When used for a long time in large doses, it can cause local irritation, itching, swelling of the eye. If symptoms of overdose appear, treatment should be discontinued.

Interactions with other drugs

Eye drops for conjunctivitis in combination with aminoglycosides can lead to increased side effects. Also, in combination with sulfanilamide drugs, suppression of hematopoiesis can be observed.

Storage conditions and shelf life

Eye drops for conjunctivitis should be stored away from sunlight, at a temperature not exceeding 30ºС. Medicines should be kept out of the reach of children.

Medicines are stored for two years from the date of manufacture, provided that the integrity of the packaging and storage conditions are maintained. After opening the packaging, the drugs cannot be stored for longer than one month.

Price

Eye drops for conjunctivitis vary in price depending on the type (antiviral, antibacterial, etc.), active ingredient, brand, etc.

Prices range from 5 to 40 UAH.

Eye drops for conjunctivitis are a good remedy that helps to quickly remove the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. As a rule, after several sessions, inflammation, swelling, itching, and burning are reduced. In addition, eye drops penetrate the tissues and mucous membranes of the eye quite well, providing a therapeutic effect directly at the site of the lesion.