Acute Conjunctivitis
For children 1 month and over. (For children less than 1 month, see Ophthalmia neonatorum.)
Advise to avoid sharing towels and pillow cases with affected child.
There is no evidence to suggest a separate bottle of chloramphenicol is required for each eye.
Suspected viral conjunctivitis
Do not swab.
Self-limiting condition, no further treatment required.
Suspected bacterial conjunctivitis
chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops 1 drop every 2 hours for 2 days then reduce to QDS for 3 days.
Treat for 5 days in total.
OR
chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment QDS. Treat for 5 days.
Ointment preferred in children less than 5 years.
Addtional comments
The MHRA published Chloramphenicol eye drops containing borax or boric acid buffers: use in children younger than 2 years in January 2022. Chloramphenicol eye drops can be safely administered to children under 2 years old where antibiotic eye drop treatment is indicated.
References
1. NHSGGC Paediatrics for Health Professionals. Conjunctivitis Management in Children. Available at: Conjunctivitis: management in children (scot.nhs.uk). Accessed on 2024 June 27.
2. NICE.(2022) Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Conjunctivitis - Infective. Accessed at NICE CKS Conjunctivitis - infective. Accessed 2024 June 28.