Bacterial Conjunctivitis

3 medicines

Bacterial conjunctivitis is an eye infection causing redness, discharge, and crusting, treated effectively with antibiotic eye drops or ointments over four to seven days.

Ciloxan

Ciprofloxacin

0.3%

Ciloxan is a antibiotics medication containing Ciprofloxacin, available as 0.3% bottles.

from $7.79 / bottle View

Ocuflox

Ofloxacin

0.3%

Ocuflox is a antibiotics medication containing Ofloxacin, available as 0.3% bottles.

from $7.79 / bottle View

Tobradex

Tobramycin, Dexamethasone

0.1/0.3%

Tobradex is a eye care medication containing Tobramycin + Dexamethasone, available as 0.1/0.3% bottles.

from $7.82 / bottle View

Key facts

  • Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids, causing redness, grittiness, and a yellow or green discharge.
  • The discharge is thick and often crusts the eyelids shut overnight; this is the main sign that separates it from viral conjunctivitis, which produces a watery discharge instead.
  • Antibiotic eye drops are the standard treatment: ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin are fluoroquinolones commonly used, and tobramycin is an alternative for broader gram-negative coverage. A four- to seven-day course usually clears the infection.
  • See a doctor if vision blurs, the eye is genuinely painful rather than just irritated, or symptoms haven't started improving within two to three days of treatment.

What to expect and how it is treated

Bacterial conjunctivitis usually starts in one eye and spreads to the other within a day or two. The discharge is the key distinguishing sign: bacterial infections produce a thick, opaque discharge that can glue the eyelids shut after sleep, while viral conjunctivitis tends to produce a thinner, watery one.

Antibiotic eye drops from the eye care and antibiotics ranges are the standard treatment. Ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin, both fluoroquinolone antibiotics, are commonly used for this infection, and tobramycin is another option, particularly where broader gram-negative coverage is needed. A short course of four to seven days is typically enough to clear the infection, and drops or ointment should be continued for the full course even if symptoms improve early, to reduce the chance of the infection returning.

When to seek further attention

See a doctor promptly if vision becomes blurred, the eye is very painful rather than simply irritated, or symptoms don't begin improving within two to three days of starting treatment. Newborns with any eye discharge need urgent medical review, since neonatal conjunctivitis has different causes and needs different management from the adult form.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.