How do you apply erythromycin eye ointment. Applying Erythromycin Eye Ointment: A Comprehensive Guide
What is the proper way to apply erythromycin eye ointment? How does it work? What are the precautions and potential side effects? Find the answers to these questions and more in our in-depth article.
Understanding Erythromycin Eye Ointment
Erythromycin Ophthalmic, also known as erythromycin eye ointment, is a medication used to treat and prevent bacterial infections of the eye. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides and works by killing the bacteria that cause these infections.
How to Apply Erythromycin Eye Ointment
Erythromycin eye ointment is typically applied up to six times a day for eye infections, or a single time in the hospital soon after delivery to prevent eye infections in newborn babies. Here are the steps to properly apply the ointment:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
- Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else to keep the ointment clean.
- Tilt your head forward slightly.
- Hold the tube between your thumb and index finger and place it as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
- With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
- Place a small amount of ointment, about a 1-centimeter strip, into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye.
- Look downward, then gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
- Replace and tighten the cap right away.
- Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue, but do not rub your eyes.
- Wash your hands again.
Precautions and Potential Side Effects
Before using erythromycin eye ointment, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to erythromycin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the ointment. Also, inform them of any other medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.
Erythromycin eye ointment may cause temporary blurred vision, so you should wait until your vision clears before driving or engaging in activities that require good vision. Additionally, you should not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection.
The most common side effects of erythromycin eye ointment include redness, itching, stinging, or burning of the eye. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, be sure to contact your doctor.
Dosage and Treatment Duration
It is important to use erythromycin eye ointment exactly as directed by your doctor, even if you feel better during your treatment. Stopping the medication too soon could lead to incomplete treatment of the infection and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Other Uses and Considerations
Erythromycin eye ointment may be prescribed for uses other than treating or preventing bacterial eye infections. If you have any questions about the use of this medication, be sure to consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
It is also important to note that erythromycin eye ointment is typically used in conjunction with other medications or treatments, depending on the specific condition being treated. Your healthcare provider will develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address your individual needs.
Proper Storage and Disposal
Erythromycin eye ointment should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. It is important to keep the cap tightly closed when not in use to maintain the cleanliness and effectiveness of the ointment.
When it comes to disposal, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or local authorities. Do not flush medications down the drain or dispose of them in the household trash, as this can have environmental consequences.
Seeking Medical Attention
If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while using erythromycin eye ointment, or if your symptoms do not improve or worsen during treatment, be sure to contact your doctor immediately. In the case of a medical emergency, seek prompt medical attention.
Remember, it is always important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to report any concerns or questions to them. With proper use and care, erythromycin eye ointment can be an effective treatment for bacterial eye infections.
Erythromycin Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information
pronounced as (e rith” roe mye’ sin)
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Ophthalmic erythromycin is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. This medication is also used to prevent bacterial infections of the eye in newborn babies. Erythromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics.
It works by killing bacteria that cause infections.
Ophthalmic erythromycin comes as an ointment to apply to the eyes. It is usually applied up to six times a day for eye infections. Ophthalmic erythromycin is usually applied one time in the hospital soon after delivery to prevent eye infections in newborn babies. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use erythromycin eye ointment exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You should expect your symptoms to improve during your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or do not go away, or if you develop other problems with your eyes during your treatment.
To use the eye ointment, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
- Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else.
The ointment must be kept clean. - Tilt your head forward slightly.
- Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place the tube as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
- With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
- Place a small amount of ointment into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. A 1-centimeter (about 1/2-inch) strip of ointment usually is enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Look downward, then gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
- Replace and tighten the cap right away.
- Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Do not rub your eyes, even if your vision is blurry. Wash your hands again.
The ointment must be kept clean.Use ophthalmic erythromycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better.
If you stop using ophthalmic erythromycin too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using erythromycin eye ointment,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to erythromycin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in erythromycin eye ointment. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any other eye medications.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using erythromycin eye ointment, call your doctor.
- you should know that your vision may be blurry for a short amount of time after using the eye ointment. Wait until you can see normally before you drive or do other activities that require good vision.
- tell your doctor if you wear soft contact lenses. You should not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection.
Wait until you can see normally before you drive or do other activities that require good vision.Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra ointment to make up for a missed dose.
Erythromycin eye ointment may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- redness, itching, stinging, or burning of the eye
Erythromycin eye ointment may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.
fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze erythromycin eye ointment.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily.
To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
- Ilotycin® Opthalmic¶
- Romycin® Ophthalmic
¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.
Last Revised – 01/15/2017
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What Is Erythromycin Eye Ointment (Ophthalmic)?
By Meredith Marmurek; reviewed by Sonia Kelley, OD, MS
- What is erythromycin ophthalmic ointment used for?
- Does erythromycin eye ointment have any side effects?
- Are there any precautions or interactions I need to know about?
- What should I watch for while using erythromycin eye ointment?
What is erythromycin ophthalmic ointment used for?
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial eye infections.
It is only available with a prescription and is not effective against viral or fungal infections. Brand names for this eye ointment include Romycin and Ilotycin.
Erythromycin eye ointment can treat bacterial eye infections such as:
Bacterial conjunctivitis – A common infection of the eyes that affects the conjunctiva, which is a very thin, clear membrane that covers the white of the eye (sclera), and the inner surface of the eyelids.
Blepharitis – An inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacteria on the skin or at the base of the eyelashes, or by problems with oil glands in the eyelids.
Neonatal conjunctivitis – A type of conjunctivitis in newborns that develops if chlamydia or gonorrhea bacteria enter their eyes during birth.
Other common antibiotic eye ointments
Erythromycin is one of many antibiotic eye ointments used to treat eye infections.
Other common treatments include:
Tobramycin – An antibiotic used for eye infections. Tobradex is a common brand name for the combination of tobramycin and a steroid used to treat bacterial eye infections.
Bacitracin, Polymyxin B and Neomycin – Antibiotics that kill bacteria on the skin. The combination of these three is used to treat eye infections and is only available with a prescription.
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic – An antibiotic that kills the bacteria that cause infection. It is available as an ointment and as eye drops.
How do I apply erythromycin ointment to my eye?
It’s very important that you use your eye ointment as directed by your doctor. If used incorrectly, the ointment may not work as intended. You may also be more likely to experience side effects.
Follow these steps to apply erythromycin eye ointment properly:
Depiction of how to apply erythromycin ointment to the eye
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Use one or two fingers to gently pull down your lower eyelid, creating a pouch between the lid and your eyeball.
Place the tip of the tube of ointment close to your eye and squeeze a thin line of ointment in the pouch you created.
Be sure not to let the tip touch anything, including your fingers and eyes.
After you have applied the ointment, blink slowly a few times. Then close your eyes for a minute or two to let it absorb completely. Your vision may be blurry for a few minutes, but try not to rub your eye.
Use a clean tissue to wipe away any excess ointment from your eye area.
Use another clean tissue to wipe off the tip of the ointment tube before you replace the cap.
Wash your hands once more to remove any ointment from your fingers.
You may need to use this antibiotic eye ointment up to six times a day for your bacterial eye infection. If you miss a dose, apply the ointment as soon as you remember.
If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Don’t use extra ointment to make up for a missed dose.
SEE RELATED: How to put in eye drops
Does erythromycin eye ointment have any side effects?
Erythromycin eye ointment is an effective treatment for bacterial eye infections. You could still experience some side effects while using this antibiotic eye ointment, including:
Burning, stinging or itching of the eyes or eyelids
Changes in vision
Redness, swelling or pain in or around the eyes
In rare cases, some people have allergic reactions to this eye ointment, such as:
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have an allergic reaction or any of these side effects while using erythromycin eye ointment.
Are there any precautions or interactions I need to know about?
Drug interactions are very uncommon with erythromycin eye ointment.
But to be safe, tell your doctor about all other medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
It’s also important to tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. This includes erythromycin and any of the ingredients in erythromycin eye ointment. You can ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
Can I wear contact lenses while using erythromycin eye ointment?
If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will suggest you wear glasses for as long as you are using your prescribed eye ointment. It is safe to wear contact lenses while using erythromycin eye ointment, but you may not want to do so.
The ointment could prevent the contact lens from moving correctly in your eye. It could also coat the lens, which may cause blurry vision. It’s also advisable to not wear eye makeup during this time.
What should I watch for while using erythromycin eye ointment?
You should start to feel better in two to three days, so tell your doctor if your symptoms aren’t improving.
You should always tell your doctor if you are having any side effects, or if you develop other problems with your eyes while using this medication.
It’s important to use the eye ointment exactly as directed, even if you feel better. If you stop using it too soon, the infection could come back. This can allow the bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.
Erythromycin eye ointment. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed December 2022.
Blepharitis. National Center for Biotechnology Information. July 2021.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2019.
Dexamethasone; Tobramycin eye ointment. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed January 2022.
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. February 2018.
ERYTHROMYCIN-Erythromycin ointment. National Institutes of Health. January 2016.
Can I wear contacts while using eye ointment? American Academy of Ophthalmology. June 2019.
Page published on Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Medically reviewed on Wednesday, January 12, 2022
instructions for use, price, analogues, composition, indications
1 g of ointment contains:
Active substance: erythromycin – 0.
01 g
Excipients: anhydrous lanolin, sodium metabisulphite, petrolatum.
Erythromycin belongs to the group of macrolide antibiotics. When applied topically, it has an antibacterial effect.
Excreted by the intestines and kidneys.
Treatment of superficial eye infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to erythromycin.
Prevention of ophthalmia in newborns (neonatal conjunctivitis) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (neonatal gonococcal conjunctivitis) or Chlamydia trachomatis.
The efficacy of erythromycin in the prevention of ophthalmia caused by penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae has not been established.
Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, severe violations of the liver and kidneys, history of jaundice.
With care
Old age, impaired liver and kidney function.
Excess ointment on the eyes can be removed with warm water.
Do not apply ointment until the next application.
Taking into account the characteristics of this medicinal product, no toxic effects are expected from its use in ophthalmology, as well as from accidental ingestion of the contents of the tube.
In the prevention of neonatal ophthalmia, erythromycin ophthalmic ointment should not be washed out of the eye.
In children whose mothers have clinically pronounced gonorrhea, erythromycin, as an ophthalmic drug, is used simultaneously with an aqueous solution of penicillin G for parenteral use.
The preparation contains lanolin, which may cause local skin reactions (eg contact dermatitis).
When using this drug for a long time or in large quantities, the development of other, non-susceptible microorganisms, including fungi, is possible. Consult your physician if symptoms worsen or recur.
During an eye infection, the use of contact lenses (hard or soft) is not recommended.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, ask your doctor before taking this medicine.
The use of this drug during pregnancy is not recommended.
During lactation, it is necessary to either stop treatment or suspend breastfeeding, based on the benefits of breastfeeding for the child and the benefits of treatment for the mother.
Patients who temporarily lose their vision after the application are not recommended to drive a vehicle or work with complex machinery, machines or any other complex equipment that requires clarity of vision immediately after using the drug.
Temporary visual disturbances after instillation of the ointment into the conjunctival sac may affect the ability to drive vehicles or work with other mechanisms. If these effects occur, the patient should wait until vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.
No clinically significant interactions have been described.
It is known that erythromycin is incompatible with lincomycin, clindamycin and chloramphenicol (antagonism).
Reduces the bactericidal effect of beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems).
Pharmaceutically incompatible with aminoglycosides. When used with glucocorticosteroids, it leads to an increase in their effect.
If you are taking any other medicines, be sure to tell your doctor!
locally. For adults, including elderly patients, and children, a strip of ointment 0.5-1 cm long is laid behind the lower eyelid from 1 to 6 times a day, depending on the severity of the infection.
The duration of treatment for neonatal ophthalmia, bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, meibomitis, with complex therapy of keratitis depends on the form and severity of the disease, but should not exceed 14 days.
In the treatment of trachoma – 4-5 times a day, the treatment should be combined with the opening of the follicles. When the inflammatory process subsides, the drug is used 2-3 times a day. The duration of treatment for trachoma is up to 4 months.
In the treatment of chlamydial conjunctivitis, the ointment is placed in the conjunctival sac 4-5 times a day, the duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, up to 3 months.
For the prevention of blennorrhea in newborns, a strip of ointment 0.5-1 cm long is placed behind the lower eyelid once.
Peculiarities of application in certain groups of patients
Use in hepatic and renal insufficiency
The safety and efficacy of this medicinal product in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency have not been established.
Children
For the prevention of ophthalmia in newborns, the ointment is used once.
Elderly patients
There are no specific recommendations for use.
How to use
The ointment is placed in the conjunctival sac. With your head tilted back, lower the lower eyelid and apply 0.5-1 cm of ointment, looking up. Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for a few seconds.
If more than one ophthalmic agent is used, an interval of at least 5 minutes must be observed. Eye ointments should be administered last.
Do not touch the eye or any surface with the tip of the tube to avoid contamination of the contents of the tube.
Like all medicines, Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
The following adverse reactions have been observed in the post-registration period of the drug, the frequency of which is unknown (cannot be estimated from the available data): hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria, burning sensation, flushing, irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye, blurred vision.
Adverse reactions reported:
If you experience any adverse reactions, please consult your physician. This recommendation applies to any possible adverse reactions, including those not listed in the package insert. You can also report adverse reactions to the adverse drug reactions (actions) information database, including reports of drug failures. By reporting adverse reactions, you help to get more information about the safety of the drug.
At a temperature not higher than 25°C.
Keep out of the reach of children.
3 years. Store after the first opening of the package no more than 6 weeks.
Do not use after the expiration date.
On prescription.
10 g in aluminum tubes.
The tube, together with the leaflet, will be placed in a pack of cardboard.
Manufacturer
JSC “Tatkhimfarmpreparaty”, Russia
420091, Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, st. Belomorskaya, 260
tel.: 8 800 201 98 88, telefax: +7 (843) 571-85-58
e-mail: [email protected]
💊 Composition of the drug Erythromycin ✅ Use of the drug Erythromycin Save Search for analogues Description of the active ingredients of the preparation Erythromycin The scientific information provided is general and cannot be used to make decisions. Update date: 2020.05.20 Marketing authorization holder: TATHIMFARMPREPARATY JSC ATX code: S01AA17 (Erythromycin) Active substance: Rec.INN WHO registered Dosage form
Release form, packaging and composition |
08.11
| A54.3 | Gonococcal eye infection |
| A71 | Trachoma |
| A74.0 | Chlamydial conjunctivitis |
| H00 | Hordeolum and chalazion |
| H01.0 | Blepharitis |
| h20.2 | Other acute conjunctivitis |
| h20.4 | Chronic conjunctivitis |
| h20.5 | Blepharoconjunctivitis |
| h26 | Keratitis |
P39. 1 | Conjunctivitis and dacryocystitis in the newborn |
Dosing regimen
The route of administration and dosing regimen of a particular drug depends on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. Compliance of the dosage form of a particular drug with indications for use and dosing regimen should be strictly observed.
Apply locally – the drug is placed behind the lower eyelid. The dose, frequency and duration of use is determined individually.
Side effects
Local reactions: hyperemia, irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye, blurred vision, allergic reactions.
Contraindications for use
History of jaundice, severe liver and kidney dysfunction, hypersensitivity to macrolides.
Precautions
Elderly patients, mild to moderate hepatic and renal dysfunction.
Pregnancy and lactation
Erythromycin crosses the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk.
When using erythromycin during pregnancy, the intended benefit to the mother and the potential risk to the fetus should be assessed. If necessary, use during lactation should decide on the termination of breastfeeding.
Use in hepatic impairment
Contraindicated in history of jaundice, severe hepatic impairment. Use with caution in violations of liver function.
Use in impaired renal function
Contraindicated in severe renal impairment.
Use in children
Use is possible according to the dosing regimen.
Use in elderly patients
Use with caution in elderly patients.
Special instructions
In children whose mothers have clinically pronounced gonorrhea, erythromycin as an ophthalmic drug is used simultaneously with an aqueous solution of penicillin G for parenteral use.
Drug interactions
Shows antagonism with lincomycin, clindamycin and chloramphenicol.
Reduces the bactericidal effect of beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems).