Which Macrolide is used for bacterial conjunctivitis?

Which Macrolide is used for bacterial conjunctivitis?

• A. Erythromycin
• B. Azithromycin
• C. Clarithromycin
• D. Mupirocin

Answer: (A)

Macrolide antibiotics used in the eye are applied topically to treat conjunctival infections, and erythromycin is the classic ophthalmic macrolide for bacterial conjunctivitis. It works by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit to block protein synthesis, giving broad activity against common ocular pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and some Haemophilus and Moraxella species. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment has a long history of safe, effective use in the eye and is readily available as a topical preparation, which makes it a standard first-line option in many exam contexts. While azithromycin ophthalmic solution is also used for conjunctivitis and offers convenient regimens, the traditional and most widely recognized macrolide for this indication is erythromycin. Clarithromycin is mainly used systemically and is not the typical topical choice for conjunctivitis, and mupirocin is not a macrolide and is used for other indications such as skin infections and nasal decolonization, not for conjunctival infection.

Macrolide antibiotics used in the eye are applied topically to treat conjunctival infections, and erythromycin is the classic ophthalmic macrolide for bacterial conjunctivitis. It works by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit to block protein synthesis, giving broad activity against common ocular pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and some Haemophilus and Moraxella species. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment has a long history of safe, effective use in the eye and is readily available as a topical preparation, which makes it a standard first-line option in many exam contexts. While azithromycin ophthalmic solution is also used for conjunctivitis and offers convenient regimens, the traditional and most widely recognized macrolide for this indication is erythromycin. Clarithromycin is mainly used systemically and is not the typical topical choice for conjunctivitis, and mupirocin is not a macrolide and is used for other indications such as skin infections and nasal decolonization, not for conjunctival infection.