Pink Eye Antibiotics Over The Counter

Pink Eye Antibiotics Over The Counter

If pink eye is caused due to bacterial infection or viral infection, you cannot get any over the counter antibiotics to treat it, as these medications are controlled and require a doctor's prescription. However, you can get over the counter medications to help with the symptoms of the infection.

Basically pink is caused due to an infection of the conjunctiva. This is a membrane that is present on the upper layer of the eyeball and the eyelids. The infection can be due to a bacterium, virus, allergy or even chemicals getting into the eye.

Bacterial and viral pink eye are highly contagious and can easily spread from an infected person to another. That is why they have to be treated by a doctor. While viral pink eye cannot be treated as it is caused by a virus, you can use warm compress to alleviate the symptoms of the infection. However, bacterial pink eye can be treated through antibiotic eye drops and ointment. Also, you may be prescribed an anti-inflammation medication to reduce the swelling.

There is one over the counter product that tends to be quite effective in the case of bacterial pink eye. This product is a decongestant and goes by the generic name of naphazoline ophthalmic. It is sold as a branded product with the name of Allerest Eye Drops or Clear Eyes. This helps a lot in alleviating the redness caused due to the infection. However, it will not help with the infection itself.

If you have pink eye due to an allergy, you can take an over the counter allergy eye drop to help with the symptoms. If the condition is particularly severe, the doctor may prescribe an antihistamine.

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Pink Eye Antibiotics Over The Counter