Eye drops, ointments run low as cases of conjunctivitis rise - Hindustan Times
As per the chemists, huge demand and less supply are leading to a shortage of eye drops, ointments, antibiotic and steroid-based eye drops and ointments
With a spurt in conjunctivitis cases across the state, the worst affected Pune district is facing an acute shortage of antibiotic eye drops and ointments. Usually, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed to patients infected with conjunctivitis. However, unable to meet the demand for such medications, the chemists in the city claim the demand has increased.
As per the chemists, huge demand and less supply are leading to a shortage of eye drops, ointments, antibiotic and steroid-based eye drops and ointments. The eye drops that are in short supply include compositions like Tobramycin, moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin D and Flurbiprofen. Eye ointments short in supply include aciclovir, chloramphenicol and ganciclovir and steroid (dexamethasone).
Following the huge spike in demand the Chemist Association Pune District (CAPD) has directed all its members to refrain from giving over-the-counter eye drops and ointments, especially medicines which contain antibiotics and steroids.
Vivek Tapkir, CAPD vice-president said, "The sudden surge in demand and limited supply is the reason behind the shortage of eye drops and ointments. There are specific brands that are in high demand and are in acute shortage. However, posts on social media are creating panic among citizens and they are rushing to chemist stores to buy medicines of specific names. The situation is likely to improve in the next couple of days."
Dr Bhagwan Pawar, health officer, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), said, not all patients who have conjunctivitis infection require medicines for recovery and in most cases, the patients recover on their own. "Following good hygiene and isolation post-infection has to be strictly followed. Citizens should avoid over-the-counter medicines and eye drops in case of suspected infection. We advise citizens to take doctors opinions before taking any eye drops or ointments. The treatment for conjunctivitis is free of cost at PMC run hospitals," he said.
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the transparent membrane called the Conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eyeball. The most common cause of conjunctivitis is infection with Adenovirus, the group of viruses that causes the common cold and other upper respiratory infections.
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