• Give advice about applying the topical antibiotic:
• Antibiotic ointment or drops should be applied after eyelid hygiene and/or at night before sleep. The frequency of application depends on the severity of the blepharitis and its response to treatment. As the condition improves, application can be reduced to once daily [American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2003].
• The antibiotic should be rubbed into the lid margin using a finger tip or cotton bud. As with eyelid hygiene, care should be taken not to traumatize the skin in this process [Smith and Flowers, 1995]. If an ointment is being used as recommended, it should be used sparingly, with care taken to avoid contamination of the eye.
• The duration of treatment depends on the severity and response of the blepharitis. Experts recommend treating for 1 month after the inflammation has subsided, although there is no evidence from clinical trials to guide the length of treatment. If response is poor after a prolonged period (e.g. 6 weeks), the person should seek further medical advice.
• Inform the person that:
• Adverse effects are usually minor, such as transient stinging or a burning sensation in the eye.
• Driving should be avoided if ointment causes blurred vision.
• Contact lenses should be avoided where possible (if this is not possible, see Choice of topical antibiotic).
• If two different eye-drop preparations are used at the same time of day, an interval of at least 5 minutes should be left between application of the two types. This will help prevent any dilution and overflow that may occur if application of one preparation immediately follows another.

[ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2001; ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2007a; ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2007b; BNF 54, 2007; ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2008]