What is the drug that is typically instilled for the immediate care of a newborn's eyes?

The appropriate drug typically instilled for the immediate care of a newborn's eyes is 1% silver nitrate. This treatment is primarily used to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, which can occur due to exposure to infectious agents—most notably, to Neisseria gonorrhoeae during delivery. The instillation of silver nitrate creates a chemical barrier that helps to protect the newborn's eyes from potential infection and inflammation.

Silver nitrate has been used for many years as a prophylactic agent and is effective in providing protection against gonococcal ophthalmia, which can lead to serious complications, including blindness. The practice of eye prophylaxis is a critical component of newborn care in order to ensure long-term visual health.

While gentamicin, tetracycline, and penicillin possess antibacterial properties and may be used in various contexts for treating infections, they are not standard for routine eye prophylaxis. For instance, gentamicin and tetracycline are often used for other types of bacterial infections, and while tetracycline ointment can be applied to the eyes, silver nitrate is the traditional and recommended agent for prophylaxis against gonococcal infection in neonates.