Take swabs prior to antibiotic therapy. Check previous microbiology results, allergies and drug interactions.Penicillin Allergy:
• Penicillin allergy is documented in over10% of patients but the nature of allergy is often uncertain (not a true allergy).
• True allergy (anaphylaxis) occurs in under 1% of patients and is a barrier to all beta-lactam antibiotics.
• History of a rash or mild symptoms could still allow the use of cephalosporins or carbapenem antibiotics.

Consider delayed antibiotic prescriptions.

Orbital cellulitis

This is a medical emergency. The patient needs urgent hospital admission.

Conjunctivitis

  • Treat only if severe.
  • Most cases are viral or self limiting.
  • See D&G formulary if persisting.

Ophthalmic shingles

  • Start treatment up to 7 days after onset of rash.
  • Refer to ophthalmology if any signs or symptoms of eye involvement.


Acyclovir 800mg 5 times daily + lubricating eye drops if lesions near eyelid

Duration: 7 days

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 18/12/2023

Next review date: 18/12/2024

Reviewer name(s): J. Van Aartsen.