Eye ointments for inflammation

Eye inflammation, or conjunctivitis, is a fairly common ophthalmological disease that affects both children and adults. Conjunctivitis is divided into several types (bacterial, allergic, fungal and viral). Different eye ointments are used to treat each of them.

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Indications for the use of eye ointments for inflammation

Eye ointment for inflammation is used to treat conjunctivitis, as well as keratitis of various etiologies. As a rule, such products are included in complex therapy. They are rarely used independently. It should also be noted that eye inflammation can be caused not only by viruses, but also by fungi, bacteria (including chlamydia). Inflammation can also be allergic.

Release form

Today, pharmacies offer a fairly large number of different medications designed to treat eye inflammation. Ointments are considered to be among the most popular. Ophthalmologists believe that this form of release is the best for dealing with viral and fungal eye diseases, as it has a viscous structure.

Due to its consistency, the ointment is much better distributed over the surface of the eyelid, due to which it has a therapeutic effect for quite long periods of time. Also, the patient can independently control the dose of the drug, while with drops it is quite difficult to do.

To achieve a positive result, it is recommended to apply the eye ointment for inflammation at night. Moreover, you will not suffer from temporary deterioration of vision, since you will be sleeping.

Ointments are often used for burns, viral infections, erosions and external injuries.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Let's consider the pharmacodynamics of anti-inflammatory eye ointments using the example of the popular drug "Acyclovir", which can even be used to treat children.

The drug is active against such viruses as Herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr and Varicella zoster. Most often, it is used to treat conjunctivitis caused by herpes. Acyclovir, entering infected cells, is phosphorylated and converted into acyclovir monophosphate. Later, it is converted into diphosphate under the influence of guanylate cyclase. When some cellular enzymes act on the diphosphate, it becomes triphosphate.

It is acyclovir triphosphate that begins to integrate into the DNA of the virus, which blocks its reproduction.

Due to its structure, the ointment quickly and easily penetrates into the deep layers of the corneal epithelium, thereby causing a higher concentration of its main component in the intraocular fluid. When applied externally, the drug can only be detected in the patient's urine, but in such an insignificant amount that it has no therapeutic value.

Names of eye ointments for inflammation

If you notice that your eyes have started to become inflamed, first of all, you need to go to see a doctor. Only he can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate therapy. What ointments help with different types of conjunctivitis?

For bacterial (including chlamydial) conjunctivitis:

• Erythromycin ointment. The active ingredient is erythromycin, an antibiotic that belongs to the macrolide group. It is active against many gram-positive bacteria, but is most often prescribed to treat eyes from chlamydia, ureaplasma and mycoplasma.

The ointment is used at least three times a day. It is usually placed under the lower eyelid. It can be used to treat inflammation in children. The course continues until all symptoms of the disease disappear. However, the treatment should not be continued after two weeks.

The drug is contraindicated in case of intolerance to its components and any liver pathologies. Sometimes the use of the ointment can lead to undesirable local and allergic reactions of varying severity.

• Tobrex. The active ingredient of the ointment is tobramycin sulfate. It is an antibiotic that has high bactericidal properties against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial agents (in particular, staphylococci, streptococci, some types of Neisseria, Klebsiella, Proteus).

Place a small amount behind the lower eyelid every four hours. The course of therapy lasts five to seven days.

The drug is not recommended for children under 18 years of age. It is also contraindicated in case of intolerance to its components. Among the most popular side effects, doctors highlight: swelling of the eyelids, allergies, itching, hyperemia.

Viral conjunctivitis is treated with the following ointments:

• Bonafthon. The active ingredient of this drug is bromonaphthoquinone. This antiviral drug exhibits particular activity against Herpes simplex.

A small layer of ointment (about 1 cm) is applied under the eyelid. It should be used at least three to four times a day. Treatment lasts from five to twelve days, depending on the type of disease.

The drug is prohibited to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, under 18 years of age, and also in case of intolerance to its components. Sometimes side effects are possible: burning, allergy, blurred vision.

• Zovirax. The active ingredient of the ointment is acyclovir. It is distinguished by its activity against Varicella zoster and Herpes simplex.

The drug can be used from childhood. Apply under the eyelid with a thin strip (about 10 mm). Use at least five times a day. At least four hours should pass between applications. After healing and disappearance of symptoms, the therapy is continued for another three days.

If you are intolerant to the components of the product, it is not recommended to use it. Pregnant women can use the product only under the supervision of a doctor. Sometimes, when using the ointment, allergic reactions of varying severity, superficial punctate keratopathy, blepharitis occur.

For allergic conjunctivitis, eye drops are usually used. But if you prefer to use ointments for therapy, then you should pay attention to the following:

• Tobradex. The active ingredients of the ointment are: the hormonal substance dexamethasone and the antibiotic tobramycin.

Use at least three to four times a day, applying a thin layer under the lower eyelid (1.5 cm). The frequency of use should be reduced as the patient's condition improves. The ointment can be combined with Tobradex drops.

The drug is not recommended for the treatment of inflammatory processes of the eyes of viral etiology, fungal and purulent eye diseases, as well as during breastfeeding, up to 18 years of age, after a foreign body has been removed from the cornea.

Sometimes, when using the ointment, side effects may occur: unpleasant discomfort, burning, allergies, itching, swelling of the eyelids, headaches, rhinorrhea, secondary bacterial infections.

• Garazon drops. The active ingredients of the drug are: gentamicin and betamethasone. It has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and antiexudative effects.

Drops are instilled three to four times a day under the lower eyelid, 1 drop in each eye. If the disease is acute, the medicine can be used every two hours. In chronic diseases, therapy is discontinued gradually.

The drops should not be taken in case of intolerance to its components, fungal diseases, trachoma, eye tumors, acute viral diseases, during pregnancy, up to six years. During the use of the drug, the patient may, in some cases, feel a burning and tingling sensation in the eyes, the eyelids may swell. Also among the side effects can be distinguished: glaucoma, cataract, anterior uveitis, mydriasis.

Tetracycline ointment

Tetracycline ointment is most often used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. The active component of the drug is the antibiotic tetracycline, which has a fairly broad spectrum of action (it has a bactericidal effect on: Brucella, Campylobacter, Listeria, Neisseria, Actinomycetes, Balantidia, Borrelia, Streptococci (except for beta-hemolytic streptococci of group A), Clostridia, Mycoplasma, Propionibacterium, Treponema, Ureaplasma). It is recommended to apply the drug under the lower eyelid three to five times a day, using a thin layer.

The product is not recommended for use in the following cases: inflammatory process in the eye of viral and fungal etiology, children under five years of age, intolerance to its main component, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Rarely, Tetracycline ointment can cause photosensitivity, in which the eyes become too sensitive to sunlight. Sometimes, patients may develop allergic reactions (burning, swelling, redness). If the ointment is used for too long, side effects from the gastrointestinal tract are possible.

Eye ointments for inflammation and redness

The main task of any eye ointment is to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic action. Very often, the inflammatory process is accompanied by redness in the eye area. In order to relieve these unpleasant symptoms, a variety of drugs are used, but the most effective of them is considered to be Hydrocortisone ointment.

The active ingredient of the drug is hydrocortisone acetate, which belongs to the group of glucocorticosteroids. It has antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and antipruritic effects. Thanks to the main substance, the drug hinders the migration of leukocytes and lymphocytes to the area of inflammation and reduces capillary permeability.

Your doctor may recommend using Hydrocortisone Ointment in the following cases:

1. Allergic conjunctivitis.
2. Inflammation of the anterior segment of the eye, when the cornea remains unaffected by the pathological process.
3. Eye burns (chemical and thermal).
4. After traumatic injuries and surgeries.

The main side effects of using the product include: allergies, burning, blurred vision for a while. The ointment is contraindicated in: trachoma, damage to the integrity of the surface of the eye, viral, fungal and bacterial diseases, primary glaucoma, intolerance to the main components.

Application: Place 1 cm of ointment behind the lower eyelid 2-3 times a day. The therapy lasts one to two weeks. If necessary, the doctor can increase the time of use of the drug. It is not recommended to extend the course on your own.

An analogue of this drug is the ointment "Maxidex".

Eye ointment for inflammation for children

In case of an inflammatory process in the eye in children, it is not recommended to use ointments that contain an antibiotic. Infants most often get sick with dacryocysts. The most common diseases in older children are various types of conjunctivitis. Popular ointments are used for treatment. Among them, it is especially worth highlighting:

Acyclovir. This is a popular antiviral drug, the active ingredient of which is acyclovir. A small amount of ointment (about 1 cm) is placed behind the lower eyelid. It is recommended to use up to five times a day every four hours. Therapy continues until the symptoms disappear completely, but it is worth continuing to use the drug once a day for another three days.

The drug can be prescribed to children from infancy, but it is contraindicated for women who breastfeed and in case of intolerance to the components of the drug. Among the main side effects are: swelling, burning, blepharitis.

Method of administration and dosage

Before applying eye ointments for inflammation, you need to remember some important rules:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the product to the affected area.
2. You need to use disposable sterile strips that help determine the correct dosage.
3. To find out what dosage you need, you need to take into account that the amount of ointment should completely fit under the eyelid.
4. If you wear contact lenses, remove them and leave them out for several hours before application.
5. Do not touch the tip of the tube to your eye under any circumstances.
6. Close the tube tightly after use.

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Using eye ointments for inflammation during pregnancy

As a rule, most of these medications are not recommended for use by pregnant women. Only in extremely rare cases can a doctor prescribe an ointment for eye inflammation.

Contraindications for use and side effects of eye ointments for inflammation

First of all, such products should not be used if you are intolerant to their active ingredients. Also, some ointments are prohibited for viral or fungal diseases, as they act mainly on inflammation of bacterial or allergic etiology. During breastfeeding, during pregnancy and (in some cases) up to 18 years of age, eye ointments for inflammation are also contraindicated.

Most often, when using such drugs, patients may experience various allergic reactions (burning, swelling of the eyelids, redness, itching), which pass quite quickly after stopping using the ointment. Also, among the side effects are: secondary bacterial infection, blurred vision, headaches.

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Overdose and interactions with other drugs

An overdose of eye ointments for inflammation is possible only if the child accidentally swallows a small amount of the drug. In this case, the following symptoms occur: migraine, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, diarrhea, convulsions and even coma.

As a rule, such drugs interact well with other medications. But before using, you must carefully read the instructions.

Storage conditions and shelf life

It is important to store ointments in places inaccessible to small children. The air temperature should be about 15-25 degrees.

As a rule, eye ointments for inflammation can be stored for about three years. Remember, after the tube with the product has been opened, the shelf life is sharply reduced.