I'm taking a pill anti-biotic, will it help pinkeye?

Question

My little brother recently got pink eye and has been taking eye drops. At the same time, I've had tonsilitus and an upper respitory infection. Will the antibiotics that I have in pill form help my eye and cure it in the 10 days that it lasts?

Or should I take the eye drops too, or is that only optional?

Answer 1

pink-eye is a highly contagious viral conjunctivitis. the only good news is that it's usually self-resolving in a couple of days. since it's viral in etiology, antibiotics would not be of benefit, neither orally ingested nor via eye drops. the eye drops your brother's using are probably just some kind of topical anesthetic to ease the discomfot or else maybe some form of anti-inflammatoy drug like ketorolac, again just for symptomatic relief.

so the simple answer is no, your oral antibiotics aren't going to help. and yes, taking your brother's eye drops would probably help, but only if you develop symptoms. don't just take the eye drops thinking that it will prevent you from getting pinkeye.

Answer 2

Conjunctival inflammation typically occurs from infection, allergy, or irritation. Symptoms are conjunctival hyperemia and ocular discharge and, depending on the etiology, discomfort and itching. Diagnosis is clinical; sometimes cultures are indicated. Treatment depends on etiology and may include topical antibiotics, antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and corticosteroids.(Merck)
There are many causes of conjunctivitis. Viruses are the most common cause. Other causes include bacteria, Chlamydia, fungus, and rarely, parasitic agents.
Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own. The discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis can be soothed by applying warm compresses (a clean cloth soaked in warm water) to closed eyes.
Please see the web pages for more details on Conjunctivitis.

Answer 3

It probably will help some, but in addition to the egg idea, my mom used to get a very clean, warm cloth, almost to the point of it being uncomfortable and keep it applied to the eye as long as possible. It was pretty effective at drawing out the gunk. There are also over the counter sty medications for a fraction of the cost of prescriptions.

Answer 4

If your "pink-eye" is bacterial, the pill will definitely help. The antibiotic pills do kill bacteria on your mucus membranes, be it in your sinus, in your throat, or on your eyes.

However, in adults, 90% of conjuctivitis is viral, so neither drops nor pills will help. Viral conjunctivitis always gets better by itself, usually in 3-10 days.

Answer 5

Topical antibiotic is indicated. Never take another person's medicine.

Answer 6

i spent $75.00 for my eye Dr to tell me to go home, boil an egg, till its hard boiled, while its hot, wrap it in a cloth and apply to the eye for 15 min, 2 times a day for 3 days, well it worked and the sty is gone, that will be $75.00 please> it really did work!!!!