Ointments for conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory reaction in the mucous membrane of the eye, which can be caused by various factors, such as allergies, viruses or microbes getting into the conjunctiva. Each type of inflammation requires its own specific treatment, so even an ordinary ointment for conjunctivitis can be different: antibacterial, antiviral or antihistamine. Some ointments even contain hormonal components - corticosteroids. In order not to make a mistake in choosing a drug, it should be prescribed only by a doctor, who, after receiving the test results, accurately determines the etiology of the disease.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Indications conjunctivitis ointments

Ointment for conjunctivitis is often the main drug in the treatment regimen for eye disease. In most cases, the doctor prescribes antimicrobial ointments, although such a prescription is one hundred percent dependent on the factor that provoked the disease.

For conjunctivitis of microbial etiology, ointment-like preparations with an antibiotic are used: the active component of such preparations can be erythromycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol or ofloxacin.

For conjunctivitis of allergic origin, ointments with an antihistamine component are used. Sometimes the composition also includes hormones that help to cope not only with allergies, but also with the consequences of the inflammatory process.

If the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye is associated with the effects of a virus, then the prescribed ointment must necessarily have antiviral activity. Often, such drugs contain interferon, a protein substance that helps increase the body's defenses in response to the invasion of a viral infection.

Only a doctor can determine what exactly caused conjunctivitis. Self-incorrect treatment of the disease can lead to complications and the transition of the disease to the chronic stage.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ]

Release form

This form of drug release, such as eye ointment for conjunctivitis, is an ophthalmological agent intended for the treatment of bacterial-viral-allergic lesions of the visual organ. The use of the ointment is extremely rarely accompanied by side effects, since the absorption of the drug is negligibly minimal.

Ointments for conjunctivitis may differ in consistency, spectrum and mechanism of action, the number of side effects and contraindications for use.

The ointment is applied behind the lower eyelid (a small dose of about 10 mm). The procedure is repeated up to 3 times a day. The therapeutic course can last from 7 to 14 days, depending on the doctor's decision.

During treatment with the ointment, it is recommended to temporarily stop using contact lenses. If eye drops are also prescribed along with the use of the ointment, then there should be a time interval of at least 15-20 minutes between their application.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ]

Dosing and administration

Antibacterial ointments for conjunctivitis
	Tetracycline ointment	Erythromycin ointment
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics	Eye ointment for conjunctivitis with antibiotic. Does not enter the general bloodstream.	Antibacterial eye ointment for conjunctivitis, without systemic effects. It is a representative of macrolide antibiotics.
Using Conjunctivitis Ointments During Pregnancy	Due to insufficient study of the properties of the drug, its use by pregnant patients is not recommended.	Use is not encouraged.
Contraindications for use	Hyperallergic sensitivity, children under 8 years.	Allergy to macrolides.
Side effects of ointments for conjunctivitis	Redness and itching of the eyes, which indicate the development of an allergic process.	Signs of mucosal irritation, allergy, secondary microbial infection.
Method of administration and dosage	The application procedure is carried out up to 5 times a day. The minimum number of applications is 3 times a day.	Apply behind the lower eyelid at least 3 times a day.
Overdose of ointments for conjunctivitis	No situations arose.	There were no situations related to overdose.
Interactions with other drugs	Can be combined with other antibacterial drugs.	It is not recommended to combine with cephalosporins and penicillin antibiotics.
Storage conditions and shelf life	Storage at temperatures up to +15°C is permitted for up to 3 years.	The ointment is stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 years.

Antiviral ointments for conjunctivitis
	Acyclovir ointment	Viferon ointment
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics	3% ointment with antiviral effect, the active component of which is a synthetic analogue of thymidine. Concentrated mainly in the intraocular fluid.	Viferon ointment for conjunctivitis has antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. The active component is interferon. Systemic absorption is minimal.
Use of antiviral ointments for conjunctivitis during pregnancy	Use not recommended.	Use in recommended quantities is acceptable.
Contraindications for use	Allergic tendency.	Allergic tendency.
Side effects of antiviral ointments for conjunctivitis	Allergy, rarely – a feeling of irritation of the mucous membrane, keratopathy.	Mild rhinitis, sneezing, burning of the mucous membrane.
Method of application and dosage	Apply every 4 hours until completely cured.	The ointment is applied 3-4 times a day for up to 1 week.
Overdose of antiviral ointments for conjunctivitis	When used externally, overdose is virtually impossible.	The situations are not described.
Interactions with other medications	Combination with immunostimulating drugs is recommended.	Combines well with other medications.
Storage conditions of antiviral ointments and their shelf life	The sealed tube is stored at normal temperature for up to 3 years. An opened tube is subject to use within 30 days.	Store in a temperature range of +2…+8°C for up to 1 year.

Preventive ointments for conjunctivitis
	Oxolinic ointment
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics	Oxolinic ointment for conjunctivitis can be prescribed for the treatment of adenovirus and herpes infections. It does not accumulate in tissues and does not enter the bloodstream.
Use of ointment during pregnancy	Not recommended for use.
Contraindications for use	Allergy to tetraoxoline or other ingredients of the product.
Side effects of the ointment	A transient feeling of irritation and itching.
Method of administration and dosage	The procedure of applying the ointment is repeated every 6-8 hours.
Overdose of ointment	The situations are not described.
Interaction with other medications	Combines well with other medications.
Storage conditions of the ointment and shelf life	You can store the ointment in the refrigerator for up to 24 months.

Ointment for allergic conjunctivitis
	Hydrocortisone ointment	Maxidex
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics	Hydrocortisone ointment for conjunctivitis has an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, the mechanism of which has not yet been fully elucidated.	Corticosteroid ointment based on dexamethasone. It exhibits a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
Prescribing ointments for allergic conjunctivitis during pregnancy	Prescribed with great caution.	Use in pregnant patients should be limited.
Contraindications for use	Allergic tendency, viral keratitis, eye damage, increased intraocular pressure, fungal and tuberculous eye damage.	Allergic sensitivity, chickenpox and recent chickenpox vaccination, fungal infections of the eye, herpetic keratitis.
Side effects of ointment for allergic conjunctivitis	Cataracts, increased intraocular pressure, allergic reactions.	Feeling of discomfort, irritation of the mucous membrane, increased intraocular pressure, headaches, allergies.
Method of administration and dosage	Use several times a day, for a course of no more than 2 weeks.	Use every 4-6 hours.
Overdose of ointment for allergic conjunctivitis	Overdose is not expected.	There were no messages.
Interaction with other medications	Should not be combined with medications that increase intraocular pressure.	There should be at least 15-20 minutes between using other eye medications.
Storage conditions and shelf life	An unopened tube can be stored for up to 2 years at normal temperature. After opening the tube, the shelf life is reduced to 1 month.	A sealed tube can be stored for up to 2 years, and after opening – up to 1 month.

Conjunctivitis ointment for children
	Tebrofen ointment	Floxal
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics	Antiviral eye ointment 0.5%, approved for use in young children.	Ointment for conjunctivitis for newborns and older children. The basis of the drug is ofloxacin, which is a representative of the fluoroquinolone series.
Using Conjunctivitis Ointment During Pregnancy	Allowed under doctor's supervision.	Use not recommended.
Contraindications for use	Tendency to allergic reactions.	Tendency to allergic reactions to fluoroquinolone drugs.
Side effects of conjunctivitis ointment	Itching sensation, allergy.	Redness of the conjunctiva, allergy, feeling of discomfort, local swelling, feeling of external irritation.
Method of administration and dosage	Apply up to 4 times a day for up to 1 month.	Apply behind the lower eyelid three times a day for a course of no more than 2 weeks.
Overdose of conjunctivitis ointment	The situations are not described.	There are currently no known cases of such situations.
Interaction with other drugs	Combines well with other external medications.	No adverse interactions known.
Storage conditions and shelf life	Store in rooms with temperatures up to +20°C for up to 2 years.	The ointment is stored for 3 years under normal conditions. After opening the tube, the preparation is suitable for one and a half months.

When applying the ointment, it is advisable to use special sticks, which are included with the tube. For newborns and small children, the ointment is applied with clean, freshly washed hands.

Conjunctivitis ointment should be used only individually, paying attention to the shelf life of the drug after opening the tube. If you use an ointment with an expired shelf life, the course of conjunctivitis can become significantly more complicated.

[ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ]