Pink eye medicine, such as sodium hyaluronate, dexamethasone, or moxifloxacin, may be prescribed by a primary care provider or ophthalmologist to treat conjunctivitis, depending on the cause. These medications help relieve symptoms such as eye pain, itching, redness, eyelid swelling, and tearing.
It’s also important to follow hygiene precautions during treatment, such as avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, washing your hands frequently (especially after touching your face), and using disposable tissues or compresses to dry your eyes.
You should always see a primary care provider or ophthalmologist (eye doctor) to determine whether the pink eye is bacterial, viral, or allergic, so that the most appropriate treatment can be prescribed for your specific condition.
Common medications
The type of pink eye medicine prescribed depends on the cause of the inflammation and may include:
1. Sterile saline 0.9%
Viral conjunctivitis usually doesn’t require specific medication. Washing the eyes with sterile 0.9% saline solution can help clean and keep them properly hydrated.
It’s best to use single-use vials, which can be found in pharmacies or supermarkets, as they are sterile and reduce the risk of contamination.
2. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (carmellose sodium)
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium is a lubricating eye drop that helps relieve symptoms like itching, redness, or a gritty sensation caused by viral conjunctivitis.
It’s available under brand names such as Refresh Tears. Although these eye drops are available without a prescription (over the counter), they should only be used if recommended by a healthcare provider.
3. Sodium hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate is another type of lubricating eye drop used to relieve burning, dryness, and irritation caused by viral conjunctivitis.
It can be found in products like Systane Hydration PF and iVIZIA. Even though these eye drops can be purchased over the counter, they should be used under the guidance of an eye doctor.
4. Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone eye drops or ointment may be prescribed for allergic conjunctivitis because they help reduce eye inflammation and eyelid swelling.
These eye drops should only be used with a doctor’s supervision. They are not recommended for viral conjunctivitis or corneal infections.
Other corticosteroid options that may be prescribed include fluorometholone acetate (FML) and loteprednol etabonate (Lotemax).
5. Sodium cromoglycate
Sodium cromoglycate eye drops can be used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, as they help relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, and excessive tearing.
These drops are available in concentrations of 2% or 4% and are typically available as a generic. The exact dosage should be determined by your ophthalmologist.
6. Ketorolac tromethamine
Ketorolac tromethamine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. It helps reduce itching, tearing, redness, and light sensitivity.
It’s available under the brand names Acular or Acuvail, among others. The typical adult dose is one drop in the affected eye up to four times daily, as directed by a doctor.
7. Ketotifen fumarate
Ketotifen fumarate eye drops are commonly prescribed for allergic conjunctivitis. They work by blocking histamine release and reducing inflammatory responses that cause redness, itching, and swelling.
They’re available in the US under brand names such as Zaditor and Alaway, and should be used as directed by an ophthalmologist.
Other similar antihistamine eye drops include epinastine (Elestat) and alcaftadine (Lastacaft).
For treatment to be effective, it’s important to identify and avoid allergy triggers that may cause recurrence.
8. Tobramycin
Tobramycin eye drops or ointment are antibiotics prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis, as they prevent the growth of bacteria sensitive to this medication.
In the US, they are available under brand names like Tobrex or Tobradex (a combination of tobramycin with dexamethasone or loteprednol). These medications should only be used as prescribed by an ophthalmologist.
9. Moxifloxacin
Moxifloxacin eye drops are antibiotic medications used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.
They are available under brand names such as Vigamox or Moxeza, and may also be combined with dexamethasone in products like Vigadexa.
10. Ofloxacin
Ofloxacin is another antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. It helps eliminate bacteria that cause infection and is available under brand names such as Ocuflox or Oflox.
The dose and length of treatment should always be determined by an ophthalmologist.
11. Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin eye drops or ointment are antibiotics prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis. They help eliminate bacteria and reduce redness, itching, and thick yellow discharge.
This medication is sold under brand names such as Ciloxan, among others.
Home remedies
Some natural remedies can help complement medical treatment, such as using cold compresses to reduce swelling and soothe irritation.
Herbal solutions like calendula or goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) tea have traditionally been used for their anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. However, these should never replace prescribed pink eye medicines. Always consult an eye doctor before using any herbal product on the eyes.
Read more about home remedies for pink eye.