Pink Eye medications & treatments
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Get started todayConjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue that covers the whites of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids. It shields the eye from harmful particles and microorganisms by keeping them out.
Pink eye is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or in infants, a blocked tear duct.
Though pink eye can be irritating, it is not very likely to affect your vision. There are treatments that can help ease the discomfort of pink eye. It is important to diagnose and treat pink eye early because it can be contagious.
What is pink eye?
Pink eye is most common in children although it can occur in any age group. Pink eye is highly contagious and can spread quickly among classmates and family members.
Pink eye is most often caused by viral and bacterial infections. It can also be induced by allergies or irritants, such as a foreign substance in the eyes, chemicals, or foreign bodies in the eye. The same germs that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea might also cause pink eye.
It can be hard to determine the exact cause of pink eye because the symptoms may be the same regardless of the cause.
How is pink eye diagnosed?
Diagnosis of pink eye can usually be made based on symptoms, an eye exam, and the patient’s health history. Although rarely done, your doctor may take a sample of the eye discharge and have a laboratory determine what form of conjunctivitis you have and the best course of treatment.
Viral conjunctivitis
The most common cause of pink eye is the same virus that causes the common cold or other upper respiratory infections such as the flu. It is very contagious. The cause of your pink eye is likely viral if you have a watery discharge. Viral pink eye cannot be resolved with antibiotic treatment and just has to run its course. It usually will last from 4 to 7 days but can take up to 2 weeks to clear up. Artificial tears, decongestants, and cold compresses can be used to help relieve symptoms.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial pink eye is also very contagious. It is the most common cause of pink eye in the winter months. The cause of your pink is likely bacterial if the discharge is thick with pus or mucous. One of the most common causes of bacterial conjunctivitis is the same bacteria that causes strep throat. Contact lenses that aren’t cleaned properly can also cause bacterial pink eye.
If diagnosed with a bacterial infection, your ophthalmologist or primary care provider will treat it for up to 2 weeks with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Allergic conjunctivitis
This type usually affects both eyes and causes itching, redness, and tearing. It is due to an allergic reaction to allergens such as pollen, animals, chemicals, and mold. Allergic pink eye is not contagious. It is typically treated with over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops to help with symptom relief.
Conjunctivitis due to irritations
Foreign objects and other irritants such as smoke and chlorine can cause pink eye. Rinsing and cleaning the eye can help clear the redness and other symptoms, usually within a day. This type of pink eye is not contagious.
Other causes of conjunctivitis
The bacteria that cause sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause pink eye. Newborn babies can develop a serious type of conjunctivitis if they are delivered vaginally by women with sexually transmitted infections. The bacteria can cause loss of sight.
The herpes simplex virus can also cause an eye infection that is mistaken for conjunctivitis, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
What are the most common symptoms of pink eye?
Pink eye symptoms will depend on the cause of the infection but can include:
- Red eyes
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Gritty sensation in one or both eyes
- Tearing
- Discharge that causes the crust to form overnight
- Blurred vision
- Puffy eyelids
- Eye pain
What are the most common treatment options for pink eye?
Treatment of conjunctivitis will depend on the cause of the infection. Some common options include:
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments
- Steroid eye drops or ointments
- Antihistamine or other allergy eye drops
- Oral antibiotics
Viral conjunctivitis has no specific treatment other than artificial tears or cold compresses for symptom relief.
What is the best medication for pink eye?
The best medication for pink eye will depend on the individual’s specific medical condition, medical history, medications that the individual is already taking that may potentially interact with pink eye medications, and the individual’s potential response to the treatment. It is advisable to always speak with your healthcare provider about the best medication for you. The table below includes a list of the most prescribed pink eye treatments.
Best medications for pink eye
| Drug name | Drug class | Administration route | Standard dosage | Common side effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polytrim (polymyxin/trimethoprim) | Antibiotic | Drops | 1 drop every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days | Increased redness, burning, stinging in eyes |
| Vigamox (moxifloxacin) | Antibiotic | Drops | 1 drop 3 times a day for 7 days | Dry eyes, eye pain, blurred vision, redness, burning in eyes |
| Besivance (besifloxacin) | Antibiotic | Drops | 1 drop 3 times a day for 7 days | Eye redness, eye pain, blurred vision, headache |
| Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin) | Antibiotic | Drops/ointment | 1 to 2 drops every 2 to 4 hours for 7 days or ½ inch strip 2 to 3 times a day for 7 days | Burning or eye discomfort, crusting or crystals in corner of the eye |
| Quixin (levofloxacin) | Antibiotic | Drops | 1 to 2 drops every 2 to 4 hours for 7 days | Blurred vision, headache, burning or eye discomfort, sore throat |
| Ocuflox (ofloxacin) | Antibiotic | Drops | 1 to 2 drops every 2 to 4 hours for 9 days | Burning or eye discomfort, redness, sensitivity to light |
| Bleph-10 (sulfacetamide sodium) | Antibiotic | Drops/ointment | 2 drops or ½ inch strip of ointment every 2 to 3 hours for 7 to 10 days | Stinging or burning of the eye, blurred vision, sensitivity to light |
| Polysporin (polymyxin b-bacitracin) | Antibiotic | Ointment | ½ inch strip every 3 to 4 hours for 7 to 10 days | Eye redness, itching, puffy eyelids |
| Romycin (erythromycin) | Antibiotic | Ointment | 1cm strip up to 6x daily | Eye redness and irritation |
| Maxidex (dexamethasone) | Steroid | Drops | 1 to 2 drops 4 to 6 times a day | Blurred vision or other changes in vision, eye pain, or redness |
| Pred Forte (prednisolone) | Steroid | Drops | 2 drops 4 times a day | Eye irritation, blurred vision, sensitivity to light |
| Bepreve (bepotastine besilate) | Antihistamine | Drops | 1 drop 2 times a day | Eye irritation, headache, increased risk of the common cold |
| Alomide (lodoxamide tromethamine) | Mast cell stabilizer | Drops | 1 to 2 drops 4 times a day | Eye discomfort or pain, headache, blurred vision, runny nose, sneezing |
Your healthcare provider will determine the dosage which is right for you based on your response to the treatment, medical condition, weight, and age. Other possible side effects may exist and this is not a complete list.
What are the most common side effects of medications used to treat pink eye?
The most common side effects of pink eye medications will depend on the drug class used to treat the infection but can include:
Antibiotic eye drops/ointments
- Burning/stinging in the affected eye(s)
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain, redness, or irritation
- Changes in vision
- Sensitivity to light
Allergy eye drops
- Burning, stinging, or irritation in the affected eye(s)
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Stuffy or runny nose
Mast Cell Stabilizers
- Burning, stinging, or irritation in the affected eye(s)
- Puffy and watery eyes
- Stye
- Blurred vision
- Bad taste
- Rash
- Sore throat
Steroid eye drops
- Burning, stinging, irritation in the affected eye(s)
- Blurred vision or other changes in vision
- Increased eye pressure
- Increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts
- Weakened immune system
Are there any home remedies to treat pink eye?
Pink eye symptoms can last up to 2 weeks but usually will go away without any treatment. There are some remedies you can use at home to relieve these symptoms until they are resolved.
- Use a cold or warm compress. Soak a lint-free washcloth in cold or warm water. Wring it out and press it gently to your closed eyes. If only one eye is infected, keep the washcloth away from the healthy eye so that it doesn’t spread to it. Keep it on there for a few minutes, several times a day.
- Clean any discharge from your eyes several times a day using a fresh cotton ball. Afterward, throw away the cotton ball and wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- Use artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops to help relieve itching.
- Use antihistamine pills or eye drops if you have symptoms due to an allergic case of pink eye.
Frequently asked questions about pink eye
Will pink eye go away on its own?
Pink eye will usually resolve itself, even without treatment. How long it will take depends on which type you have but it’s usually within 2 weeks.
Is pink eye contagious?
Pink eye from a bacteria or virus is very contagious. If you suspect you or your child has pink eye, you should stay home from school or work until symptoms have disappeared or if it’s bacterial, after 1 to 2 days of antibiotic treatment.
Allergic pink eye is not contagious.
How can I prevent spreading pink eye?
If you have a case of infectious conjunctivitis, these are some ways to stop the spread to other people.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye(s).
- Wash pillowcases, sheets, washcloths, and towels frequently in hot water and detergent; wash your hands after handling such items.
- Don’t share personal items such as eye makeup.
- Make sure to clean your contact lens as recommended or avoid using them until you have no symptoms.
Related resources for pink eye
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis). MayoClinic.org
- Conjunctivitis: What is pink eye? American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye) overview. WebMD
- Pink eye information page. Cleveland Clinic
- Conjunctivitis causes, symptoms, and treatment. Centers for disease control and prevention
- What are steroid eye drops? Verywellhealth