Infectious eye diseases are the most common reason for contacting an ophthalmologist. Their pathogens are most often various types of bacteria. Therefore, antibacterial eye drops “Levomycetin” or “Albucid” are used for treatment. Which is better from them is worth understanding, since both drugs are effective in conjunctivitis and other inflammatory processes of the eyes.
What is Albucid?
This drug refers to sulfonamides. The active substance of the drug is sulfacyl sodium. For treatment, an aqueous solution is used that penetrates the deep tissues of the eye. Its action is aimed at creating adverse conditions for the further reproduction of bacteria that provoke the development of the disease.
Release form "Albucidum" - eye drops of 2 types. They differ in the concentration of the active component: for adults - 30%, for children - 20%.
"Albucid" is acceptable for use from the first year of a baby's life, but after agreement with the pediatrician. Therefore, when choosing what is best for children - “Albucid” or “Levomycetin”, the former is preferred, since its only contraindication is individual hypersensitivity.
Indications for use:
- conjunctival disease of various etiologies;
- gonorrheal damage to the eyes;
- the formation of ulcers on the cornea;
- ophthalmic infectious pathologies caused by bacteria susceptible to sulfacetamide.
The medicine is also used to prevent blennorrhea in children.
During treatment, the drug is instilled 2-3 drops in each eye up to 6 times a day. The duration of use is agreed with the attending physician, but not less than 5 days.
Characteristic differences of eye drops "Levomycetin"
"Levomycetin" is a broad-based antibiotic that is part of the chloramphenicol group. The active ingredient is chloramphenicol. The composition of the tool also includes auxiliary components, such as boric acid and purified water.
The drug is active against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, as well as bacterial strains that are resistant to streptomycin, sulfonamide, penicillin.
The drug inhibits the protein synthesis of harmful microorganisms, which leads to their death. Therefore, what is better - "Albucid" or "Levomycetin" from conjunctivitis, can be judged depending on the stage of development of the disease. At the initial stage, the first drug is considered preferable, and if it is inactive, it is recommended to use the second one.
Chloramphenicol is active against a wider range of pathogens. Due to this, inflammation decreases markedly after 2-3 times of use.
Indications for use:
- conjunctivitis;
- keratoconjunctivitis;
- blepharitis;
- keratitis;
- barley.
When used, an increased concentration of chloramphenicol is fixed in the vitreous, iris, cornea, but the active component does not penetrate into the crystalline.
In the first days of treatment, the medicine is instilled into the conjunctival sac for 2-3 drops with a frequency of 1-4 hours, depending on the severity of the disease. With a decrease in the inflammatory process, the drug is administered 1 drop every 4-6 hours. The maximum duration of treatment is 2 weeks.
General properties of drugs
Which is better - "Levomycetin" or "Albucid", it is difficult to answer unequivocally. Both of these drugs are characterized by bactericidal action. Their use is acceptable for both adults and children. The safety level when using eye drops is high, since the active component is not able to penetrate into the blood in high concentrations and affect the functionality of vital organs.
Which is better - eye drops "Albucid" or "Levomycetin" - with conjunctivitis or another disease, it is also categorically impossible to say. Both drugs are effective, despite the fact that they belong to different drug groups. They inhibit the development and reproduction of pathogens, as well as stop the inflammatory process, but in different ways.
When using both drugs, side effects may occur. Both drugs can cause burning and itching, which is accompanied by profuse lacrimation, conjunctival redness and sensation of sand. If unpleasant symptoms appear, the eyes should be rinsed, and therapy should be discontinued. The possibility of further treatment should be discussed with your doctor.
Difference between them
It is quite difficult to find cardinal differences between these drugs, since they have different active ingredients. Therefore, it makes no sense to judge which is better - “Levomycetin” or “Albucid”.
A comparative table of these drugs is presented below.
| Characteristic | Chloramphenicol | Albucid |
| Act | It acts depressing on a wide range of eye pathogens | Active against streptococci, staphylococci, gonococci |
| Pharmacokinetics | Inhibits protein synthesis in pathogen cells, which provokes their death | Not able to destroy bacteria, but creates adverse conditions for their reproduction and further spread |
| Harm | The level of toxicity to the body is lower, since it does not enter the bloodstream. But with prolonged use, it can cause the development of aplastic anemia | It has fewer contraindications. The only limitation is the individual hypersensitivity of the component. Let us use in the first year of life and during lactation |
Based on this, it can be judged that any of these drugs has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when conducting therapy.
Which is better - "Albucid" or "Levomycetin" (eye drops)?
Both of these drugs are effective for bacterial damage to the organs of vision.
"Albucid" - an affordable tool that is used for uncomplicated eye diseases, if the pathology does not threaten serious health complications. It is the first choice in the treatment of infectious diseases due to its good tolerance. But sometimes it does not bring the desired result, since many strains of bacteria have developed resistance to its action.
In this case, Chloramphenicol comes to the rescue. It is considered a reserve reserve drug that helps in difficult situations when, against the background of the infection process, there is a threat of serious visual impairment. Therefore, it is not necessary to say that it is better - “Chloramphenicol” or “Albucid”. They just complement each other.
Reviews
According to experts, both drugs are effective for inflammation and infectious eye damage. But it is necessary to use eye drops correctly, taking into account the causative agent of the disease and existing contraindications.
With the development of the inflammatory process in the eye, only a doctor is able to determine which drug is suitable in this case. Timely contacting an ophthalmologist for advice will help to maintain the health of the organs of vision for many years.