Antibiotic Eye Drops: Names, Prices, and Why None Are Over the Counter (2026)
Red, sticky eye and a pharmacy shelf full of "pink eye relief" boxes. None of them is an antibiotic. Here's every prescription antibiotic eye drop and ointment with real prices, what the over-the-counter products actually are, when drops help at all, and the fastest way to get a prescription.
- Updated Sep 30, 2026
- Prices checked Aug 17, 2026
- 11 cited sources
- No paid placements
On this page 9 sections
Quick answer
There are no over-the-counter antibiotic eye drops in the US. Every antibiotic drop and eye ointment needs a prescription. The "pink eye relief" and "stye" boxes on the shelf are lubricants, antihistamines or homeopathic products, and in 2023 the FDA warned several of their makers.
Generic prescription drops are cheap: tobramycin from $5.99, ofloxacin from $10.75, polymyxin B-trimethoprim from $12.97, moxifloxacin from $15.67 with a free discount card. Brand-only drops (Besivance, AzaSite) run $207–$271.
Many red eyes don't need an antibiotic. The CDC says antibiotics don't help viral pink eye, and mild bacterial pink eye often clears in 2–5 days on its own. Eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision or contact lens wear mean seeing a doctor promptly.
Are any antibiotic eye drops sold over the counter?
Not in the United States. Every antibiotic eye drop and eye ointment requires a prescription. Two close neighbors handle it differently.
| Country | OTC antibiotic eye drops? | What's available |
|---|---|---|
| US United States | None | All antibiotic eye drops and ointments are prescription-only |
| CA Canada | One | Polysporin eye drops (polymyxin B + gramicidin). Everything else needs a prescription |
| UK United Kingdom | One | Chloramphenicol drops and ointment, sold by a pharmacist who checks your symptoms first |
US: the FDA rule for over-the-counter eye drugs (21 CFR Part 349) covers lubricants, redness relievers, eyewashes and similar ingredients, and includes no antibiotic. Canada: Polysporin product page. UK: NHS.
What the pharmacy eye shelf really sells
Boxes that say "pink eye" or "stye" are not antibiotics. They ease symptoms at best, and some were the subject of FDA warning letters.
Swipe the table sideways →
| OTC product type | Examples | What it does | Antibiotic? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial tears | Refresh, Systane and store brands | Lubricate and rinse the eye. The CDC lists artificial tears and cold compresses for pink eye symptom relief | No |
| Antihistamine drops | Ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway), olopatadine (Pataday) | Relieve itching from allergic pink eye | No |
| Redness relievers | Visine, Lumify | Shrink surface blood vessels so the eye looks less red. They don't treat infection | No |
| Homeopathic "pink eye relief" | Similasan and store-brand versions | Not FDA-approved. In September 2023 the FDA sent warning letters to eight companies, including Similasan, CVS and Walgreens, over unapproved eye products | No |
| "Stye" ointments and drops | Store-shelf stye relief products | Lubricants or homeopathic products. They contain no antibiotic | No |
| Skin antibiotic ointment | Neosporin, Polysporin, bacitracin | For skin only. The label says "Do not use in the eyes" | Yes, but not for eyes |
FDA warning letters of Sept 11 and Nov 13, 2023 covered unapproved ophthalmic products marketed for conditions such as conjunctivitis. Check the Drug Facts box for the active ingredient before buying any eye product.
List of antibiotic eye drops and ointments, with prices
Fifteen prescription options, from $5.99 to $270. Most generics cost less than the online visit to get them. Tap a column header to sort.
Swipe the table sideways →
| Antibiotic | Lowest price | Highest price | Form priced | Class | Pharmacy gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tobramycin 0.3%Tobrex | $5.99 | $33.24 | Drops, 5 mL | Aminoglycoside | 5.5× |
| Neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasoneMaxitrol · contains a steroid | $10.47 | $26.54 | Drops, 5 mL | Combination + steroid | 2.5× |
| Ofloxacin 0.3%Ocuflox | $10.75 | $26.58 | Drops, 5 mL | Fluoroquinolone | 2.5× |
| Ciprofloxacin 0.3%Ciloxan | $11.71 | $26.14 | As priced | Fluoroquinolone | 2.2× |
| Erythromycin 0.5% | $12.38 | $28.40 | Ointment, 3.5 g | Macrolide | 2.3× |
| Gentamicin 0.3%Gentak | $12.51 | $23.68 | Drops, 5 mL | Aminoglycoside | 1.9× |
| Polymyxin B-trimethoprimPolytrim | $12.97 | $22.76 | Drops, 10 mL | Combination | 1.8× |
| Moxifloxacin 0.5%Vigamox | $15.67 | $39.10 | Drops, 3 mL | Fluoroquinolone | 2.5× |
| Bacitracin-polymyxin BPolycin | $28.35 | $47.52 | Ointment, 3.5 g | Combination | 1.7× |
| Tobramycin-dexamethasoneTobradex · contains a steroid | $31.65 | $43.99 | Drops, 5 mL | Aminoglycoside + steroid | 1.4× |
| Gatifloxacin 0.5%Zymaxid | $32.34 | $67.99 | Drops, 2.5 mL | Fluoroquinolone | 2.1× |
| Sulfacetamide 10%Bleph-10 | $54.72 | $73.70 | Drops, 15 mL | Sulfonamide | 1.3× |
| Neomycin-polymyxin B-gramicidinNeosporin ophthalmic solution | $54.93 | $76.03 | Drops, 10 mL | Combination | 1.4× |
| Besifloxacin 0.6%Besivance · brand only | $207.26 | $235.67 | Drops, 5 mL | Fluoroquinolone | 1.1× |
| Azithromycin 1%AzaSite · brand only | $222.81 | $270.80 | Drops, 2.5 mL | Macrolide | 1.2× |
Discount-card prices across 9 US pharmacy chains, RxHelp US pharmacy price panel, Aug 17, 2026. "Pharmacy gap" = highest ÷ lowest. Green-marked rows are the lowest-priced generic drops. The prescriber chooses the drug; this table is for budgeting, not for picking a treatment.
A bottle of brand-only AzaSite ($222.81) costs 37 times as much as a bottle of generic tobramycin ($5.99). If you're prescribed a brand-only drop, ask whether a generic would work for you before paying cash.RxHelp US pharmacy price panel, lowest discount-card prices, Aug 17, 2026
Same bottle, very different price by pharmacy
Tobramycin cost $5.99 at one chain and $33.24 at another. And the cheapest chain for one drop was among the priciest for the next.
Discount-card prices, RxHelp US pharmacy price panel, Aug 17, 2026. Kroger was cheapest for tobramycin and second-priciest for moxifloxacin. Prices vary by location.
Do you need antibiotic eye drops for pink eye?
It depends on the cause. Antibiotics only act on bacterial pink eye, and even that often clears without them.
Swipe the table sideways →
| Type of pink eye | Do antibiotics help? | Usual course, per the CDC | What's used instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viral | No | Usually clears in 7–14 days without treatment | Cold compresses, artificial tears |
| Bacterial | Yes | Often improves in 2–5 days without treatment, but can take 2 weeks. Drops may shorten it and reduce spread | Prescription antibiotic drops or ointment, especially with pus |
| Allergic | No | Improves when the allergen is removed | Antihistamine eye drops, allergy medicines |
Source: CDC, "How to treat pink eye." Only a clinician can tell the types apart reliably.
See a doctor promptly if you have
- Eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision that doesn't clear when discharge is wiped away
- Intense redness, or symptoms that get worse
- A weakened immune system
- Bacterial pink eye that hasn't improved after 24 hours of antibiotics
- A newborn with pink eye symptoms, which needs care right away
These are the CDC's warning signs. Contact lens wearers should stop wearing lenses until an eye doctor says it's OK.
Styes, scratched eyes and contact lenses
"Antibiotic for a stye" is one of the most-searched eye questions. Most styes don't need one.
| Problem | OTC antibiotic? | What eye doctors say |
|---|---|---|
| Stye | None | Warm compresses several times a day are the main treatment, and most styes resolve without antibiotics. A doctor may prescribe erythromycin or bacitracin eye ointment, or oral antibiotics if the whole eyelid is swollen. Don't squeeze it (American Academy of Ophthalmology). |
| Scratched eyecorneal abrasion | None | Needs an exam. An ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment to prevent infection, and will tell you when contact lenses are OK again (American Academy of Ophthalmology). |
| Contact lens wearer with a red eye | None | Take the lenses out and see an eye doctor. The CDC says not to wear contacts again until the doctor agrees. |
Drops vs. ointment vs. steroid combinations
The form matters for comfort and convenience. Combination products with a steroid are a separate category that eye doctors prescribe after an exam.
Drops
The most common form
- Clear vision right after use
- Usually applied several times a day
- Widest choice: 13 of the 15 products above
Ointment
Erythromycin, bacitracin-polymyxin B
- Stays on the eye longer
- Blurs vision for a while after use
- Sometimes preferred for small children and at bedtime
Products with "dexamethasone" contain a steroid
Maxitrol and Tobradex combine antibiotics with a steroid. They're prescribed for specific conditions after an eye exam, not for routine pink eye. Don't use leftover steroid drops on a new red eye without being seen.
How to get antibiotic eye drops
For straightforward pink eye, an online visit is the fastest and cheapest route. Pain, vision changes or contact lenses call for an in-person eye exam.
Best for: typical pink eye with discharge and no pain or vision change.
Note: the clinician may decide it's viral and not prescribe an antibiotic.
Best for: eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, contact lens wearers, a scratched eye, or a stye that isn't improving.
Note: the only route that can examine the cornea.
Online visit prices from providers' own pages, Sep 2026. Add $6–$39 for a generic drop. Compare services in how to get antibiotics online.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get antibiotic eye drops over the counter?
Not in the US. Every antibiotic eye drop and eye ointment is prescription-only. Over-the-counter eye products are lubricants, antihistamines, redness relievers or homeopathic remedies. Canada sells one antibiotic drop without a prescription (Polysporin eye drops, polymyxin B + gramicidin), and UK pharmacies sell chloramphenicol after a pharmacist checks your symptoms.
What antibiotic eye drops are used for bacterial conjunctivitis?
Commonly prescribed options include polymyxin B-trimethoprim (Polytrim), erythromycin ointment, tobramycin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin (Vigamox). The prescriber chooses based on your age, allergies and the exam. See the full list with prices.
How much do antibiotic eye drops cost without insurance?
Generic drops cost about $6–$39 with a free discount card: tobramycin $5.99–$33.24, ofloxacin $10.75–$26.58, polymyxin B-trimethoprim $12.97–$22.76 and moxifloxacin $15.67–$39.10. Brand-only Besivance and AzaSite cost $207–$271. Prices for the same bottle vary up to 5.5× between pharmacy chains.
Do I need antibiotic eye drops for pink eye?
Often not. According to the CDC, antibiotics don't improve viral pink eye, which usually clears in 7–14 days. Mild bacterial pink eye often improves in 2–5 days without treatment, though it can take 2 weeks. Doctors may prescribe antibiotic drops to shorten the illness and reduce spread, especially when there's pus.
Is there an antibiotic ointment or eye drop for a stye?
Not over the counter. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says warm compresses are the main treatment and most styes resolve without antibiotics. An eye doctor may prescribe erythromycin or bacitracin eye ointment, or oral antibiotics if the whole eyelid is swollen. Skin ointments like Neosporin aren't made for eyes, and their label says not to use them there.
Can I put Neosporin in my eye?
No. The label on Neosporin and other first-aid skin ointments says "Do not use in the eyes." A prescription product with a similar name, neomycin-polymyxin B-gramicidin ophthalmic solution, is made for eyes and is a different, sterile formulation.
Can I get antibiotic eye drops online?
Yes. Pink eye is one of the conditions online services treat from a questionnaire or photo. Amazon One Medical lists pink eye among its message-based visits from $29, and video services cost $34–$99. The prescription goes to your pharmacy. See online prescription services compared.
Are moxifloxacin (Vigamox) eye drops an antibiotic?
Yes. Moxifloxacin 0.5% is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic eye drop. The generic cost $15.67–$39.10 for a 3 mL bottle in our August 2026 data. See moxifloxacin prices.
Do antibiotic eye drops help a scratched eye?
They don't heal the scratch. Eye doctors often prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment for a corneal abrasion to prevent infection while it heals. A scratched eye needs an exam, especially if you wear contact lenses.
Related guides
Sources
- CDC — How to treat pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- American Academy of Ophthalmology — Chalazia and stye treatment
- American Academy of Ophthalmology — Do stye antibiotics come in ointment or tablet form?
- American Academy of Ophthalmology — Corneal abrasion treatment
- 21 CFR Part 349 — Ophthalmic drug products for over-the-counter human use
- FDA — Warning letter to Similasan AG (unapproved ophthalmic products), Sept 11, 2023
- FDA — Roundup Nov 14, 2023 (warning letter on unapproved eye drops sold online)
- NHS — About chloramphenicol (available from UK pharmacies)
- Polysporin Canada — Antibiotic eye drops (polymyxin B, gramicidin)
- 21 CFR 333.150 — First aid antibiotic labeling ("Do not use in the eyes")
- Amazon One Medical — On-Demand Care (pink eye, message visits from $29)
How we researched this
Prices are discount-card prices from our US pharmacy price panel (9 chains, checked Aug 17, 2026) for the package shown. Guidance on pink eye comes from the CDC; stye guidance from the American Academy of Ophthalmology; OTC status from FDA, the UK NHS and the Canadian manufacturer's product page. We don't take payment from any brand or pharmacy. Methodology · Editorial policy
Last updated September 30, 2026. General education, not medical advice — a licensed clinician or pharmacist decides whether you need an antibiotic and which one.