![]() Mild side effects can include slight burning or stinging, blurred vision and light sensitivity. These are usually mild, but can vary in severity. Like any medication, side effects can occur. They may also benefit from stronger prescription antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, usually in the form of eye drops. More severe cases of allergic conjunctivitis are generally treated with a steroid eye drop. They can also both be treated with topical (eye drop) steroids to boost healing time. Even with medication, you can prevent further spread by addressing sneezes, coughs and any physical contact with caution and washing your hands often and thoroughly. However, antiviral drugs may be used in more serious, rare cases.īacterial and viral pink eye can be very contagious. Viral conjunctivitis almost always goes away on its own and can’t be treated with antibiotics. Some types of bacterial pink eye may also require oral antibiotics, but this is less common. In addition to others, your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops containing one of the following antibiotics: Most cases of bacterial pink eye are mild and heal on their own within one to two weeks without any treatment, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.Ī true bacterial infection, however, typically does not self resolve and will require antibiotics. If an eye doctor recommends treatment for a viral or bacterial pink eye infection, it will almost always require a prescription and pickup from your local pharmacy.Īntibiotic eye drops are the main treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis, but they aren’t always necessary. SEE RELATED: How do I get rid of pink eye? Prescription medication for pink eye But mast cell stabilizer, olopatadine, is a common OTC alternative. More potent antihistamine eye drops will require a prescription. A doctor may recommend an over-the-counter allergy medication, taken orally to reduce the body’s overall response to allergen(s). Patients with allergic conjunctivitis have a few more options. Medication containing ketotifen fumarate is often available over the counter.įor viral pink eye, OTC combinations can include the drugs naphazoline and/or pheniramine. Some mast cell stabilizers are OTC, but some require prescriptions. ![]() Mast cell stabilizers inhibit the release of histamines and can provide additional itchiness relief. Like decongestants, vasoconstrictors also specifically target blood vessels. This translates into irritation you can see and feel.ĭecongestants specifically constrict blood vessels in the eye, reducing redness. Histamines cause allergic reactions and the widening of blood vessels. All three work to shrink the size of the blood vessels along the surface of the eye.Īntihistamines block histamines, part of your body’s immune response to an infection or allergy. OTC antihistamine, decongestant and vasoconstrictor eye drops can reduce the redness and irritation of viral pink eye. Preservative-free tears can help reduce eye inflammation and dryness that accompanies pink eye. However, they may help alleviate symptoms.Īrtificial tears are often the first OTC treatments recommended by doctors. Generally speaking, there aren’t any over-the-counter (OTC) medications that will treat viral or bacterial conjunctivitis. SEE RELATED: Learn more about the different types of pink eye Over-the-counter pink eye medicine Remember to ask your doctor about any pink eye or conjunctivitis medications or remedies before trying them. Other times, medication is recommended to reduce the severity and duration of the condition. Sometimes, pink eye ( conjunctivitis) doesn’t require medicine - it simply goes away on its own. By Adam Debrowski reviewed by Christopher Lievens, OD, MS, FNAP, FAAO Medication can help alleviate pink eye symptoms
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