ERYTHROMYCIN
erythromycin ophthalmic
is an antibioticis used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes
Erythromycinis usually active against the following organisms
in vitro and in clinical infections
Streptococcus pyogenes ..group A &hemolytic
Alpha-hemolytic streptococci …..viridans group
Staphylococcus aureus, including penicillinase-producing strains
(methicillin-resistant staphylococci are uniformly resistant to Erythromycin
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae
(not all strains of this organism
are susceptible at the Erythromycin concentrations ordinarily achieved)
Treponema pallidum
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Chlamydia trachomatis
Indications and Usage for Erythromycin
For the treatment of superficial ocular infections involving
the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by organisms
susceptible to Erythromycin.
For prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum due to
N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis.
What is the most important information I should know about erythromycin ophthalmic?
Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Who should not use erythromycin ophthalmic?
Do not use erythromycin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. Erythromycin ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use erythromycin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether erythromycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use erythromycin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use erythromycin ophthalmic?
Use erythromycin ophthalmic eye ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before using the eye ointment.
To apply the ointment:
Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before the next application.
Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Store erythromycin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the ointment has been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.
What should I avoid while using erythromycin ophthalmic?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Erythromycin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with erythromycin ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Erythromycin ophthalmic side effects
Serious side effects are not expected to occur during treatment with this medication.
Commonly, some eye burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may occur. Continue to use erythromycin ophthalmic and talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience.
What other drugs will affect erythromycin ophthalmic?
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with erythromycin ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with erythromycin ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about erythromycin ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Erythromycin ophthalmic is available with a prescription under several brand and generic names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Erythromycin ophthalmic 5 mg per gram ointment
Ilotycin 5 mg per gram ointment
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to,
and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.