Final answer:
Gonococcal conjunctivitis is treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics, with a CDC-recommended combination regimen of ceftriaxone and azithromycin, to cover potential co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and address antibiotic resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate treatment for gonococcal conjunctivitis includes the administration of oral or intravenous antibiotics. For neonatal conjunctivitis, which can occur when a newborn is exposed to Neisseria gonorrhoeae during vaginal delivery, immediate antibiotic treatment is critical to prevent serious complications such as corneal ulceration or permanent blindness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a combination regimen of ceftriaxone and azithromycin not only to treat N. gonorrhoeae but also because its common co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis makes the dual treatment necessary. This two-drug treatment regimen helps to cover both pathogens and address the issue of antibiotic resistance, which is a growing concern for the treatment of gonococcal infections.