Can you get over-the-counter pink eye medicine?

In this article:

• Can you get pink eye medicine over the counter?
• Over-the-counter pink eye medicine options
• Prescription medicines for pink eye
• When to see a doctor

In this article

• Can you get pink eye medicine over the counter?
• Over-the-counter pink eye medicine options
• Prescription medicines for pink eye
• When to see a doctor

Conjunctivitis, more commonly referred to as pink eye, is one of the most common eye conditions for people of all ages. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens and can lead to symptoms like redness, itchiness, discharge, and eye pain.

“Pink eye occurs when the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva) becomes inflamed,” explained Dr. James Kelly, MD, owner of Kelly Vision, and Director of Refractive Surgery for Northwell Health. “Pink eye can affect one or both eyes, and is most identifiable by the redness caused by the inflammation of blood vessels.”

Pink eye is easily treatable, but since there are different ways to get pink eye, there are also different forms of treatment. For example, pink eye from allergies could go away once the allergen clears and can sometimes be managed with home remedies, like warm compresses and rinsing your eyes. Other times, you may need an over-the-counter eye drop, or in severe cases, you may need to visit a healthcare professional for a prescription treatment. 

See below what the medical experts have to say about the various treatment options for conjunctivitis.

Can you get pink eye medicine over the counter?

Yes, you can get over-the-counter medications to treat pink eye, but it will depend on the underlying cause.

“Pink eye is one of the most common eye complaints in both children and adults — but not all cases are created equal,” said Dr. Steven Goldberg, MD, MBA, and the Chief Medical Officer at HealthTrackRx. He explained, “In children, bacterial infections are the leading cause, whereas in adults, viruses are the main culprit. Many mild cases resolve on their own or with over-the-counter remedies, such as artificial tears.”

When symptoms of pink eye don’t go away, a medical professional can provide a treatment that’s tailored to the type of conjunctivitis causing the condition. Let’s go over your treatment options for each category of pink eye.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic pink eye is caused by environmental allergens. The easiest way to treat this type of pink eye is to remove the allergen, such as mold, dust, and dander. Over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available for allergic conjunctivitis.

• Over-the-counter treatments for allergic conjunctivitis include artificial tears and antihistamines, like Zyrtec or Claritin. Another way to treat these symptoms is with over-the-counter eye drops that also treat allergies.
• Prescription treatments are not typically required for this type of pink eye, but there are prescription-strength eye drops that can help for severe cases.

Viral conjunctivitis

Viral pink eye is the most common form of conjunctivitis and the most contagious. That being said, it’s generally mild. Many viruses can cause viral pink eye, but the adenovirus and common cold are the main culprits. Other causes of viral pink eye may be from COVID, measles, or the bird flu.

Typically, viral conjunctivitis clears up on its own after one to two weeks, but if it takes longer, you may want to consult an ophthalmologist.

• Over-the-counter treatments for viral conjunctivitis include pain relievers, artificial tears, and compresses. These will not cure the condition, but rather manage the symptoms as they clear up on their own.
• Prescription treatments for viral conjunctivitis include antiviral medications, which aren’t required for most cases. Others include allergy medications and immunosuppressants.

Bacterial conjunctivitis 

Without treatment, mild pink eye from bacteria can go away on its own. In certain cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial pink eye. This could be if there are specific symptoms, like pus or discharge from the eye, or for people with a weakened immune system. 

• Over-the-counter treatments for bacterial conjunctivitis include pain relievers and compresses as needed to manage symptoms.
• Prescription treatments for bacterial conjunctivitis include oral antibiotics and antibiotic eye drops.

How do I know what kind of pink eye I have?

The easiest way to determine the cause of your pink eye is to seek medical advice for a diagnosis. However, each form of pink eye has slightly different symptoms.

• Viral pink eye is usually characterised by burning, red eyes with a thin, watery discharge.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically associated with pus or a thick, sticky discharge coming from the eye. Instead of a burning sensation, the eyes are red and sore.
• Allergic conjunctivitis may cause itchy, red, and watery eyes. Before symptoms start, you will have come into contact with something causing an allergic reaction, like pollen, pet dander, or smoke.

If there are cases of pink eye in your area, you can take steps to prevent the spread of infection, like washing your hands with soap and avoiding rubbing your eyes.

Below, find your best options for treating any type of pink eye, including over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications.

Over-the-counter pink eye medicine options

Are there over-the-counter medications that can treat pink eye symptoms?

“Yes, though they depend on the cause,” said Dr. Goldberg. Treatment should be customized to the specific type of conjunctivitis a person is experiencing. 

According to Dr. Goldberg, some of the best over-the-counter treatments for pink eye include:

Artificial tears

Artificial tears to soothe irritation and flush away allergens or a virus. Unfortunately for those with bacterial pink eye, there are no over-the-counter eye drop products with antibiotics.

Compresses

Cold compresses can reduce swelling and irritation in cases of viruses or allergies, while warm compresses can help soothe pain and clear eye discharge.

Antihistamine drops

Antihistamine drops, like ketotifen or naphazoline, can help manage symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

Oral pain relievers

Oral pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce pain and discomfort.

Prescription medicines for pink eye

For cases of conjunctivitis that don’t go away on their own, you’ll need a healthcare provider’s diagnosis for prescription eye drops or topical ointment. Some of the most common prescription pink eye medications include:

• Tobramycin: Antibiotic drops for bacterial eye infections
• Erythromycin: A topical ointment that’s safe for infants and children
• Ofloxacin: Antibiotic eye drops used for moderate to severe infections
• Azithromycin: Eye drops with convenient dosing for bacterial pink eye
• Loteprednol or olopatadine: Eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis

When to see a healthcare provider for pink eye

While cases of pink eye can resolve on their own, there are some red flags indicating you should seek medical attention. This includes:

• Symptoms lasting more than 5 to 7 days
• Eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision
• Thick discharge that’s yellow or green lasting 48 to 72 hours without improvement
• Recent eye surgery or contact lens use (due to the risk of corneal ulcer)
• Recent exposure to the herpes simplex virus

Any sign of pink eye symptoms in newborns and infants warrants a trip to the healthcare provider, as this may indicate a serious infection.

Dr. Goldberg advised, “If you experience eye pain, blurred vision, wear contact lenses, or your symptoms aren’t improving, it’s best to get evaluated.”