Ointment for conjunctivitis helps eliminate the characteristic symptoms of the disease. The main signs of the disease include: increased lacrimation, eye irritation, itching, burning sensation, and purulent discharge. When prescribing appropriate medications, it is necessary to take into account the type of disease. Conjunctivitis can be viral, allergic, or bacterial in nature. If a patient has viral conjunctivitis, ointments containing furatsilin are actively used.
Description and composition of the drug
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication intended primarily to combat herpes infection. It directly affects the DNA of the virus, preventing it from reproducing. In addition, the product increases the body's protective resources.
The active component of the composition is acyclovir. Additional components differ depending on the release form. The medication is available in the following forms:
- Eye ointment 3%. Available in tubes of 3.5 and 10 g volume. In addition to acyclovir, the composition includes petroleum jelly. The product is absorbed into the corneal epithelium and ocular tissues, providing a local antiherpetic effect.
- Tablets 200 and 400 mg. The package includes 20 tablets intended for oral administration.
- Ointment (cream) for application to the skin and mucous surface. Sold in tubes of 2, 5, 10, 20 g volume. The composition includes additional components that improve absorption of the drug.
- Powder. Intended for dissolution in sodium chloride and injection. In this form, the drug is best absorbed, but has many contraindications.
Ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis
- Erythromycin ointment.
This ointment for conjunctivitis is a common topical antimicrobial agent. The release form offered to consumers is tubes of 3.7, 10 g. Erythromycin is an antibiotic with bacteriostatic properties from the group of macrolides. The ointment exhibits antibacterial properties and is approved for the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membranes in newborns.
- Tetracycline ointment.
Conjunctivitis ointment with tetracycline is used more often than similar drugs, since it is as safe as possible due to low absorption. Area of application: bacterial forms of pathology of the ocular mucosa. Do not use to treat children under 8 years of age.
- Tobrex.
The ointment contains Tobramycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Release form - tubes of 3.5 g. Area of application - infections of the mucous membrane of the eyes, conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, stye. Do not use to treat newborns (up to 2 months).
- Colbiocin.
The composition of the ointment with an antibacterial effect includes Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Sodium Colistemitate. Ointment for conjunctivitis Kolbiotsin is highly effective against amoebas, spirochetes, mycoplasma, rickettsia, chlamydia. Area of application: trachoma, purulent, catarrhal conjunctivitis. Not used to treat children under 8 years of age and pregnant women.
- Eubetal.
The ointment is an effective remedy with antiallergic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effects, and acts against amoebas, chlamydia, and mycoplasma. Composition of Eubetal ointment: tetracycline, colistin, betamethasone (glucocorticosteroid), chloramphenicol. Release form - tubes of 3 g. Not used for the treatment of patients with a history of corneal diseases, high intracranial pressure, as well as persons with hypersensitivity to the drug.
Medicinal properties and principle of action
Acyclovir is effective for viral conjunctivitis. Being an effective antiviral drug, it has a detrimental effect on herpes virus types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, Varicella zoster. At the same time, the medication has an immunostimulating effect. The mechanism of its action is based on the formation of “defective” viral DNA, which provokes blocking of the reproduction of the pathogenic organism.
Indications
Acyclovir in tablet form is prescribed in the following cases:
- treatment of primary infections of the mucous membranes and skin caused by the herpes virus, including genital;
- as part of complex therapy for severe immunodeficiency;
- to prevent relapses of chronic diseases caused by Herpes simplex types 1 and 2 in normal immune status and immunodeficiency;
- treatment of primary and secondary infections caused by Herpes simplex types 1 and 2 (shingles, chicken pox).
Eye ointment is used in the treatment of viral conjunctivitis and herpetic keratitis caused by herpes virus type 1 or 2. Ointment for external use is indicated in the following cases:
- herpes simplex, affecting the skin and mucous membranes;
- primary and recurrent genital herpes;
- herpes zoster (as an additional method of therapy).
What is conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory condition of the mucous membrane of the eye, which can be caused by pathogens of various origins - allergic reactions, viral, fungal or bacterial infections.
The main causes of conjunctivitis:
- Allergic reaction (to dust, medications, lenses, etc.);
- Bacteria (streptococcus, staphylococcus, pneumococcus and others);
- Virus (adenovirus, herpes);
- Fungus (candida, aspergillus);
- Poor hygiene;
- Diseases – acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and others;
- Vitamin deficiency.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis:
- Swelling of the eyelids;
- Swelling of the mucous membrane;
- Increased blood flow to the capillaries of the conjunctiva (hyperemia);
- Photosensitivity;
- Tearing;
- Redness of the white;
- Itching;
- Pain;
- Irritation;
- Discharge from the eyes (viscous, yellowish, gray, purulent);
- Feeling of sand.
The symptoms of viral conjunctivitis are slightly expanded:
- Formation of follicles;
- Serous discharge from both eyes;
- Clouding of the cornea.
A slit lamp examination is necessary to make a diagnosis. To accurately diagnose the type of conjunctivitis (its causative agent), a smear or scraping of the mucous membrane may be required.
Contraindications
Any dosage forms of Acyclovir are contraindicated during lactation. During pregnancy, it is prescribed cautiously if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.
The drug is contraindicated in case of individual sensitivity to the active or auxiliary components.
The tablets should not be used for children under 3 years of age.
Expert opinion
Ermolaeva Tatyana Borisovna
Ophthalmologist of the highest category, Candidate of Medical Sciences
The drug is prescribed with caution for kidney disorders, neurological disorders, and in old age.
Reaction and side effects
Usually the drug is well tolerated by the body. It is non-toxic and specifically affects cells affected by the virus. In some cases, the following adverse reactions may occur:
- abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, stool disorders (when taken orally);
- headaches, absent-mindedness, sleep disturbances;
- burning and itching;
- blurred vision;
- inflammatory process in the eyes;
- Quincke's edema.
Features of use in adults
Adults are most often prescribed Acyclovir ointment. In particularly difficult situations, internal administration of the drug may be required.
It is recommended to apply the ointment into the lower conjunctival sac in a strip 1 cm long. This must be done five times a day with an average interval of 4 hours.
The treatment regimen is determined by the duration of the disease. After the symptoms of conjunctivitis disappear, it is recommended to use the drug for another 3-4 days.
When taking Acyclovir orally, the dosage is 1 tablet five times a day. Eating doesn't matter. You need to drink the drug with plenty of water.
Expert opinion
Ermolaeva Tatyana Borisovna
Ophthalmologist of the highest category, Candidate of Medical Sciences
When taken internally, you need to use the drug regularly, without taking more than necessary temporary breaks - only in this case will it be effective.
Treatment of conjunctivitis according to Ayurveda
Treatment of eye diseases is mentioned in Shalakya Tantra (ophthalmology) in Ayurveda. It is one of the eight clinical specialties of Ayurveda. It offers a safe and effective solution for problems such as glaucoma, conjunctivitis, etc.
Conjunctivitis can be managed with Ayurvedic medicines. They are derived from natural herbs that are pure and have no side effects. According to Ayurveda, healthy eating is also beneficial for preventing many diseases. Ayurveda mainly considers the balance of three energies that are responsible for health.
There are many herbs (neem, haridra, ashwagandha) used in Ayurveda to treat various health problems. These herbs are used to make various products that are natural and have no side effects.
Use in children
When treating conjunctivitis in children, an integrated approach is needed. In addition to standard washing, ointments, drops, and antiviral drugs are used.
Acyclovir tablets are prescribed if the lesion grows and extends beyond the eye.
Expert opinion
Ermolaeva Tatyana Borisovna
Ophthalmologist of the highest category, Candidate of Medical Sciences
The drug in tablet form is not prescribed to children under 3 years of age. The ointment can be used for infants from 1 month.
Recommended dosages are as follows:
- At the age of 1-2 years: half a tablet (100 mg) every 4 hours for a course of 5 days.
- At the age of 2-5 years: 1 (200 mg) or 2 (400 mg) tablets (depending on the course) four times a day.
- Children over 6 years old – 4 tablets (800 mg) four times a day.
The ointment is used in proportions of 80 mg per kilogram of body weight. It is applied to the affected areas four times a day for 5 days. If during this period the visible manifestations of the disease have not passed, the course should be extended.
Application rules
Before you start using any eye ointments, you need to wash your face with water at room temperature and thoroughly remove makeup from your face. After washing, you need to dry your face with a napkin, but do not rub it. No creams or other care products should be applied to the skin. If the ointment is put into the eyes directly from the tube, first its edge must be treated with a disinfectant solution and then rinsed with boiled water. With clean, washed hands, carefully pull down the lower eyelid and place a thin strip of tetracycline ointment behind it, pressing on the tube. In this case, the pupil needs to be rolled back behind the upper eyelid. Make sure that the edge of the tube does not touch the eye. To distribute the product evenly along the entire length of the eyelid, close your eye for 5-7 seconds.
If you use a glass spatula for insertion, it must be treated with antibacterial soap and then wiped with sterile gauze. The rules for using a glass spatula are as follows:
- A small amount of the drug should be applied to the shoulder blade, since excess product in the eye can cause itching or sticking of the eyelashes;
- it is better to carry out the procedure using someone else’s help;
- the lower eyelid should be pulled back very carefully, while the eye should look upward;
- after applying the product, you must close your eyes for 7 seconds and then blink;
- If, after blinking, excess medication is felt in the eye, it should be carefully removed with a napkin or cotton pad.
Tetracycline ointment should be applied to the eye three or four times a day until symptoms disappear. In the case when the mucous membranes of the eyes are affected by chlamydia (chlamydial conjunctivitis), treatment of the disease takes about 3 weeks. If the disease has caused blurred vision or led to changes in the cornea, in addition the patient will be given general antibacterial therapy. For chlamydial conjunctivitis, it is recommended to apply tetracycline ointment behind the eyelid twice or thrice a day. After completing the course of treatment and upon recovery, the drug should be used for another 7 days for preventive purposes.
One percent ointment can also be used to treat conjunctivitis in children over 8 years of age. If the child has not reached the age of eight, you should consult a doctor to prescribe appropriate medications. One package of tetracycline ointment is enough for a course of treatment. The drug used in open form should be stored for no more than 2 months. After use, the aluminum tube must be carefully tightened. Unopened medicinal products can be stored for 3 years.
For different types of illness
The effectiveness of Acyclovir depends on the form and etiology of conjunctivitis:
Have you used Acyclovir to treat conjunctivitis?
Not really
- In case of viral conjunctivitis, the medication has a pronounced therapeutic effect, promoting the death of pathogens and strengthening general immunity. It is this form that is the indication for its use.
- For bacterial conjunctivitis, the drug is ineffective. It is not prescribed because it does not affect the causative agents of the disease.
- In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, the medication does not affect the fight against its cause and can only be prescribed in case of a secondary viral infection.
- Purulent conjunctivitis is bacterial in nature, so in this case the use of acyclovir is also ineffective.
How to reduce the likelihood of contracting conjunctivitis in the future?
When re-infected with conjunctivitis, the risk of the disease progressing to the chronic stage increases. In order to avoid infection, the following rules should be followed:
It is necessary to include in your diet foods that contain large amounts of vitamin A. This substance has pronounced antioxidant properties. With vitamin A deficiency, visual function is impaired and color perception deteriorates. The daily menu should include products such as parsley, dill, carrots, blueberries, and apricots.
- It is necessary to follow recommendations for the care of contact lenses;
- If possible, avoid contact with allergens if you are prone to allergic conjunctivitis;
- Treat infectious diseases in a timely manner.
To reduce the risk of conjunctivitis, it is recommended to regularly eat small amounts of blueberries: fresh, frozen or pre-dried.
