First choice if severe:
Chloramphenicol 0.5% drops
2 hourly for 2 days then reducing to 4 x daily
For 48 hours after resolution
AND / OR
Chloramphenicol 1% ointment
at night
OR 3 - 4 x daily if used alone
For 48 hours after resolution
Alternative treatment
Fusidic acid 1% gel
2 x daily
For 48 hours after resolution
Most bacterial conjunctivitis is self-limiting
65% resolve on placebo by day 5.
It is usually unilateral with yellow-white mucopurulent discharge but may spread.
Treat only if severe.
Fusidic acid has less gram-negative activity.