What should you know about conjunctivitis antibiotics?

Conjunctivitis can make the white of the eye red and may cause watery fluid, sticky discharge, burning or itching. Bacterial infection can produce thicker discharge, while viral illness often causes watering and may accompany a cold. Allergy commonly causes marked itching and usually affects both eyes. These patterns overlap, so discharge alone cannot confirm which treatment is needed.

Antibiotic drops or ointment act against bacteria in or around the eye; they do not clear a virus or remove an allergy trigger. Using an old prescription, sharing drops, or stopping and restarting treatment can irritate the eye and make assessment harder.

Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or producing significant discharge. Until then, wash your hands before and after touching the eye, gently clean crusts with clean water, avoid contact lenses, and do not share towels, pillows or eye products. Use only medicine prescribed or recommended for this episode, following its directions.

A cool clean compress can soothe irritation. Do not place non-prescribed substances in the eye, and discard eye makeup used during the illness. Read more about Antibiotic Treatment for general medicine safety.

Seek urgent medical assessment for severe eye pain, new blurred or reduced vision, strong Light Sensitivity, marked swelling around the eye, pain when moving the eye, injury, or a chemical splash. Contact a clinician promptly if a newborn has eye discharge, if you wear contact lenses, or if symptoms are not settling.

Ask whether the pattern suggests bacterial, viral or allergic conjunctivitis; whether an antibiotic is appropriate; how long to use it; and which symptoms should trigger review. Mention contact-lens use, recent illness, allergies, medicines and any change in vision.