Antibiotics

If you are taking antibiotics it is important that you understand some basic rules about bacterial infections and antibiotics.

Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Therefore, they do not help treat the common cold or viral infections of the eye.

For the most part, antibiotics work fairly quickly. If you are taking an antibiotic and do not see some improvement within 3 days, the antibiotic probably is not working. Contact McCalla Eyecare Center on the third day if you do not see improvement.

Failure to take the antibiotic for the full duration prescribed can cause what we call a super infection. If you are going to take an antibiotic finish taking it as prescribed.

Sometimes patients experience stomach upset and diarrhea with oral antibiotics. Mild stomach upset is generally not a concern, but if the problem is getting worse or if symptoms are significant, discontinue the antibiotic and call McCalla Eyecare Center.

Some patients are allergic to antibiotics. If you are allergic to any antibiotic let McCalla Eyecare Center know before he prescribes one for you. If you have an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, go immediately to the emergency room at the hospital. Call McCalla Eyecare Center as soon as you can safely do so.

Most oral antibiotics are best taken with food. Some can not be taken with dairy products (Doxycyline). Ask McCalla Eyecare Center or the pharmacist if you have questions about how to take your pills.

Generally speaking, antibiotic eye drops that are used to treat eye infections are not going to cause stomach upset. However, some patient's eyes are sensitive to antibiotic eye drops. Again, if antibiotic eye drops make your eyes red, light sensitive or painful, quit taking the drops and call McCalla Eyecare Center.

Antibiotic eye drops are generally not taken for longer than 7 days. If you are given antibiotic eye drop do not continue taking them beyond 7 days unless you are told to do so by the Doctor.

Do not self medicate. If you have a bottle of antibiotic eye drops or antibiotic pills that are partially used, do not use them unless you are instructed to do so by the Doctor. Antibiotics used improperly can cause great harm.

If your eye has abundant yellow or green mucous discharge you probably have a bacterial infection and need to be seen by us ASAP.

If you have an eye infection, you are contagious to yourself and to others. Do not touch your face without immediately washing your hand for 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Also, avoid sharing hand or bath towels with others while you are infected. No one is at risk of getting an eye infection from air-born bacteria. There must be direct contact for the infection to be spread.