should i use fucithalmic ointment for what i suppose is conjunctivitis starting?

[olivo]

dd (15mo)has had a heavy cold and has started this morning with green gunk in the corners of the eyes. not too bad at the moment - i have been wiping her eyes every hour but it is still coming. i have an unopened tube of fucithalmic ointment (prescribed for me when i was pg) which was what she was given last time she had it - should i start using it tonight? she will be at nursery tomorrow and obviously i dont want to pass it on; at the same time, i cant afford more time off work with her.
any suggestions?

I wouldnt use it without consulting a doctor to be honest, as sometimes the use of fucithalmic is contra indicated. For instance if there is damage to the eye etc. My bet is that if you ring NHS direct they will say sure, go ahead and use it, but better be safe than sorry.

ah, didnt know there were contra indications. we're not in the uk so cant use NHS direct, i dont think. dd is due to the doctors tomorrow for her pneumococcal vax - should i get dh to ask then? please tell me she'll still have the vax - i've already had to postpone!

im not entirely sure what the contra indications are, if any, i know there are some in animals and vets are very carful about examining the dogs eyes before they prescribe it. However that is really to ensure there is no injury, iyswim.

I wouldnt have thought the eye alone would stop the vax but they might not want to do it if she has had a bad cold.

Would be a good idea to go to the doc first to check re the eye, another night isnt going to make much difference.

Good luck

thanks for your help.think i will have to have it checked out - we have to pay for standard doctors appts but not for ones for vax, baby checks etc. tomorrows was meant to be a freebie!