pediatrics
Neonatal Conjunctivitis
Prevention of Neonatal Conjunctivitis
Routine use of 1%silver nitratedrops, 0.5%erythromycinointment, or 1%tetracyclineophthalmic ointment or drops instilled into each eye after delivery effectively prevents gonococcal ophthalmia. However, none of these agents prevents chlamydial ophthalmia; povidone iodine 2.5% drops may be effective against chlamydia and gonococci but is not available in the US.Silver nitrateandtetracyclineophthalmic ointments are also no longer available in the US. Neonates of mothers with untreated gonorrhea should receive a single injection ofceftriaxone25 to 50 mg/kg IM or IV, up to 125 mg (ceftriaxoneshould not be used in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia or those receiving calcium-containing fluids), and both mother and neonate should be screened for chlamydia infection, HIV, and syphilis. 