Pink Eye Drops: OTC vs Prescription, and Which One You Need
Red, itchy, goopy eyes send people looking for drops fast. The catch: there are three kinds of pink eye, and the drop that helps one does nothing for the others. Here is how to tell them apart and what to use.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is usually viral, bacterial or allergic. Viral pink eye is the most common type, and antibiotic drops do not help it: it clears on its own, and OTC artificial tears and cool compresses ease the discomfort. Allergic pink eye responds well to OTC antihistamine drops such as ketotifen. Bacterial pink eye may be treated with prescription antibiotic drops or ointment, depending on how severe it is. Eye pain, light sensitivity or changes in vision need an eye exam, not drops from the store.
- Viral pink eye often comes with a cold and causes watery discharge.
- Bacterial pink eye more often causes thick yellow or green discharge that glues the lashes shut.
- Allergic pink eye is itchy, usually affects both eyes, and is not contagious.
- Redness-relief drops shrink blood vessels but do not treat pink eye, and frequent use can make redness come back worse.
- Contact lens wearers with a red, painful eye should be examined in person.
The three types of pink eye
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear tissue covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (MedlinePlus).
- Viral: the most common type. Watery discharge, often with a cold or sore throat. Usually starts in one eye and may spread to the other. Very contagious.
- Bacterial: thicker yellow or green discharge, lashes stuck together in the morning. Contagious.
- Allergic: itching is the main symptom, both eyes, often with sneezing and a runny nose. Not contagious.
OTC drops and what they do
- Artificial tears soothe irritation and rinse away discharge for any type. Preservative-free versions are gentler if you use them often.
- Antihistamine drops such as ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway) work well for allergic pink eye.
- Redness-relief drops (naphazoline, tetrahydrozoline) make the eye look whiter for a few hours but do not treat the cause. Using them often can lead to rebound redness.
- Cool compresses help with swelling and itching. Use a clean cloth for each eye.
💡 There are no OTC antibiotic eye drops
In the U.S., antibiotic eye drops and ointments need a prescription. "Pink eye relief" drops sold OTC are homeopathic or lubricating products, not antibiotics.
Prescription drops
Pink eye usually goes away on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. Depending on how severe bacterial pink eye is, a provider may prescribe an antibiotic drop or ointment. Antibiotic drops do not help pink eye caused by a virus or by allergy (American Academy of Ophthalmology). Common choices include:
- Polymyxin B-trimethoprim drops
- Erythromycin eye ointment
- Fluoroquinolone drops such as ofloxacin, often used for contact lens wearers
For allergic pink eye that OTC drops do not control, a provider may prescribe a stronger antihistamine drop such as olopatadine.
Which drop for which pink eye
| Type | Main clue | What helps | Antibiotic drops? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viral | Watery, often with a cold | Artificial tears, cool compresses, time | No |
| Bacterial | Thick yellow or green discharge | Prescription antibiotic drops or ointment, depending on severity | Sometimes |
| Allergic | Itchy, both eyes, allergy season | OTC ketotifen; prescription olopatadine if needed | No |
Not sure which you have? Rx.com's online pink eye visit is a flat $99 with a U.S.-licensed provider, with no insurance needed. If drops are right for you, the prescription goes to your local pharmacy. In October 2026 the lowest prices we found on Rx.com were polymyxin B-trimethoprim drops and erythromycin ointment from $11.87 each; prices vary by pharmacy and location. Show a free Rx.com coupon at pickup.
Contagion, work and school
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes.
- Do not share towels, pillowcases, eye drops or makeup. Throw out eye makeup you used while infected.
- Take out contact lenses until your eyes are completely better, and replace the lenses and case.
- Stay home from work, school or the gym until your eyes are no longer red with discharge.
🚨 When to See a Doctor in Person
- Eye pain (not just grittiness), or sensitivity to light.
- Blurry vision or any change in vision that does not clear when you blink.
- You wear contact lenses and your eye is red and painful.
- An injury or a chemical splash in the eye: rinse with water and get care right away.
- A weakened immune system, or symptoms that are not improving after a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best over-the-counter drop for pink eye?
It depends on the type. Artificial tears help any type. For itchy allergic pink eye, ketotifen antihistamine drops work well. There are no OTC antibiotic eye drops in the U.S.
Do I need antibiotic drops for pink eye?
Only for bacterial pink eye. Viral and allergic pink eye do not improve with antibiotics. A provider can help you tell which type you have.
How long does pink eye last?
Pink eye usually clears on its own within one to two weeks. Allergic pink eye lasts as long as you are exposed to the trigger, and allergy drops help in the meantime.
Can pink eye go away on its own?
Usually, yes: most pink eye clears within one to two weeks. See a provider if it is not improving, or right away for pain or vision changes.
Can I get pink eye drops online?
Yes. A licensed provider can review your symptoms online and, if antibiotic or prescription allergy drops are right for you, send the prescription to your pharmacy.
Should I use Visine for pink eye?
Redness-relief drops do not treat pink eye. They can make your eye look less red for a while, but frequent use can cause rebound redness. Artificial tears are a better choice.
Red, goopy or itchy eyes?
A U.S.-licensed provider can help you figure out which kind it is online, for a flat $99. If drops are right for you, pick them up at your local pharmacy.
Sources
- MedlinePlus. Pink eye (conjunctivitis). medlineplus.gov
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Pink eye: what is conjunctivitis? aao.org
