What is the recommended route of administration for ceftriaxone in gonococcal conjunctivitis?

• A. IM for systemic gonorrhea
• B. IV for gonococcal conjunctivitis
• C. Oral for ocular infections
• D. Subconjunctival injection

Answer: (B)

Gonococcal conjunctivitis requires systemic antibiotic therapy to fully eradicate the infection and prevent rapid progression to corneal involvement. Ceftriaxone given intravenously achieves rapid, reliable serum and ocular tissue levels, which is crucial for effectively treating the eye infection and any potential disseminated infection. This systemic approach is preferred over topical or local injections because they don’t provide the necessary systemic exposure to clear organisms that can spread beyond the conjunctiva. Oral therapy often does not reach adequate concentrations, and a local subconjunctival injection would not address the systemic aspect of the infection.