This protocol addresses chlamydial (inclusion) conjunctivitis in adults aged 18 years or older who are not pregnant. Pregnancy status is a key determinant of which treatments are appropriate; this pathway applies specifically to the non-pregnant adult population.
Because chlamydial conjunctivitis is a sexually transmitted infection, sexual contacts should be evaluated and treated concurrently. Local treatment alone is insufficient — systemic management is central to this condition in adults.
Management is built around systemic antibiotic therapy. Several evidence-based antibiotic options are available, and the choice among them depends on factors addressed in the full protocol. An alternative approach exists for settings where antibiotic access is limited. The complete regimen — including which agents, any sequencing, and relevant considerations — is available below.
Resolution of chlamydial conjunctivitis.
Adult conjunctivitis usually responds to systemic therapy, and sexual contacts should be treated at the same time.
Pregnant women should not be treated with doxycycline, quinolones, or tetracyclines.
There are no data to support the use of topical therapy in addition to systemic therapy.
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