Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic, or viral)
Clinical basis & sources
- Primary source
- OCP Minor Ailments Prescribing
Sources used
- Minor Ailments: Drug Classes and Specified DrugsOntario College of Pharmacists · 2026
- Executive Officer Notice: Update to Funding for Minor Ailment Services in Ontario Pharmacies (Effective July 1, 2026)Government of Ontario · 2026-05-19
- How to Treat Pink EyeCenters for Disease Control and Prevention · 2024-04-15
- Conjunctivitis: Diagnosis and ManagementAmerican Family Physician · 2024
- Diagnosis and Management of Red Eye in Primary CareAmerican Family Physician · 2010
- Community pharmacist prescribing of antimicrobials: A systematic review from an antimicrobial stewardship perspectiveCanadian Pharmacists Journal · 2021
- Ontario Regulation 256/24: GeneralGovernment of Ontario · 2026
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Allowable drugs under Schedule 4 (17)
Drugs an Ontario pharmacist may prescribe for Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic, or viral) under O. Reg. 256/24, Schedule 4. Choice still depends on the assessment, contraindications, allergies, and product availability — this is the eligible list, not a recommendation.
- Antazoline
- Bepotastine
- Cromolyn sodium
- Erythromycin
- Fusidic acid
- Gramicidin
- Ketotifen
- Lodoxamide
- Naphazoline
- Olopatadine
- Oxymetazoline
- Pheniramine
- Phenylephrine
- Polymyxin B
- Tetrahydrozoline
- Tobramycin
- Trimethoprim
Symptoms this assessment screens
- Red or irritated eye(s)
- Itching (prominent)
- Watery discharge / tearing
- Thick or purulent discharge; lashes matted shut on waking
- Gritty or foreign-body sensation
- Recent cold / upper respiratory infection or contact with pink eye
- Both eyes affected
- Seasonal or known allergen trigger
Red flags — any positive means refer
- Eye pain beyond mild irritation
- Reduced or blurred vision
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
- Contact-lens wearer with a red eye
- Trauma, chemical exposure, or foreign-body concern
- Severe unilateral redness with headache, nausea, or halos
- Suspected herpes (eyelid vesicles, dendritic ulcer, prior herpes simplex virus keratitis)
- Marked eyelid swelling, fever, or periorbital cellulitis concern
- Immunocompromised patient with concerning symptoms
- Newborn, infant, or very young child
- Recurrent, persistent (> 2 weeks), or not improving
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