What are the common causes of eyelid swelling. How can ointments help reduce inflammation and treat infections. Which ointments are most effective for swollen eyelids. When should you seek medical attention for eyelid swelling.

Understanding Eyelid Swelling: Causes and Symptoms

Eyelid swelling, also known as eyelid edema, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the tissues surrounding the eyes, causing the eyelids to appear puffy or enlarged. While often harmless, eyelid swelling can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Common Causes of Eyelid Swelling

• Allergies
• Infections (e.g., conjunctivitis, styes)
• Trauma or injury
• Insect bites
• Fluid retention
• Thyroid disorders
• Certain medications

Eyelid swelling can be accompanied by various symptoms, including redness, itching, pain, and difficulty opening the eyes fully. In some cases, vision may be temporarily affected.

The Role of Ointments in Treating Swollen Eyelids

Ointments play a crucial role in managing eyelid swelling, particularly when caused by infections or inflammation. Unlike eye drops, which are liquid, ointments have a semisolid, greasy consistency similar to petroleum jelly. This unique texture allows them to remain in contact with the affected area for longer periods, providing extended relief and treatment.

How do ointments work for swollen eyelids?

Ointments work by creating a protective barrier over the affected area, helping to retain moisture and deliver medication directly to the site of inflammation or infection. They can also help lubricate the eye, reducing friction and discomfort associated with swollen eyelids.

Types of Ointments for Eyelid Swelling

There are several types of ointments available for treating swollen eyelids, each designed to address specific underlying causes:

Antibiotic Ointments

Antibiotic ointments are prescribed for bacterial infections affecting the eyelids. Some common antibiotic ointments include:

• Bacitracin
• Erythromycin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Gentamicin
• Polymyxin B-neomycin-bacitracin (Neosporin)
• Polymyxin B-bacitracin (Polysporin)
• Tobramycin

These ointments work by targeting and killing bacteria, making them effective only for bacterial infections. It’s important to note that most antibiotic ointments require a prescription and should be used under medical supervision.

Antiviral Ointments

For eyelid swelling caused by viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus, antiviral ointments may be prescribed. Acyclovir is a common antiviral ointment used to treat eye infections caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Steroid Ointments

In cases of severe inflammation or allergic reactions, corticosteroid ointments may be recommended. These ointments help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as itching and redness. However, they should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as prolonged use can lead to side effects.

How to Properly Apply Eyelid Ointments

Applying ointments to the eyelids requires care and precision to ensure effectiveness and avoid potential complications. Follow these steps for proper application:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Gently clean the affected eyelid with warm water and a clean cloth.
3. Tilt your head back slightly and look up.
4. Pull down the lower eyelid gently to create a small pocket.
5. Squeeze a small amount of ointment (about the size of a grain of rice) into the pocket.
6. Close your eye and gently roll your eyeball in all directions to spread the ointment.
7. Wipe away any excess ointment with a clean tissue.

It’s important to avoid touching the tip of the ointment tube to your eye or any surface to prevent contamination.

Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription Ointments for Eyelid Swelling

While many antibiotic ointments require a prescription, some over-the-counter (OTC) options are available for treating mild cases of eyelid swelling. However, it’s crucial to understand the differences and limitations of these products.

OTC Ointments

OTC ointments typically contain lubricating ingredients and mild anti-inflammatory compounds. They can be helpful for:

• Alleviating minor irritation
• Moisturizing dry, itchy eyelids
• Providing temporary relief from allergy symptoms

Examples of OTC ointments include artificial tears and lubricating eye ointments. While these products can offer relief for mild symptoms, they may not be sufficient for treating more severe cases or infections.

Prescription Ointments

Prescription ointments contain stronger active ingredients and are specifically formulated to treat particular conditions. They are necessary for:

• Bacterial or viral infections
• Severe allergic reactions
• Chronic inflammatory conditions

It’s important to note that some OTC products, like Neosporin and Polysporin, are meant for skin use only and should not be used in the eyes. Always check the packaging and consult a pharmacist if unsure about a product’s intended use.

Alternative Treatments for Eyelid Swelling

While ointments are often effective in treating eyelid swelling, there are several alternative treatments that can be used alone or in conjunction with ointments:

Home Remedies

• Warm compresses: Apply a warm, damp washcloth to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day to help reduce swelling and promote drainage.
• Cold compresses: For swelling caused by allergies or injuries, cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
• Gentle massage: Carefully massaging the eyelids can help stimulate blood flow and reduce fluid buildup.
• Tea bags: Placing cooled tea bags (particularly green tea or chamomile) on the eyes can help reduce swelling and soothe irritation.

Other Medical Treatments

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments, such as:

• Oral antibiotics for severe bacterial infections
• Antihistamines for allergy-related swelling
• Steroids (oral or topical) for severe inflammation
• Eye drops for conjunctivitis or other eye conditions

When to Seek Medical Attention for Eyelid Swelling

While many cases of eyelid swelling can be managed at home or with OTC treatments, certain situations warrant medical attention. Seek professional help if you experience:

• Severe pain or discomfort
• Vision changes or blurriness
• Fever or other signs of infection
• Swelling that persists for more than a few days
• Swelling that spreads beyond the eyelid
• Difficulty opening or closing the eye
• Discharge from the eye

A healthcare professional can properly diagnose the underlying cause of your eyelid swelling and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include prescription ointments or other interventions.

Preventing Eyelid Swelling and Maintaining Eye Health

While not all cases of eyelid swelling can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain overall eye health:

Hygiene Practices

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or applying eye products
• Remove eye makeup before going to bed
• Clean your eyelids regularly with mild soap and warm water
• Replace eye makeup every 3-6 months to prevent bacterial growth

Lifestyle Habits

• Get adequate sleep to reduce eye strain and fluid retention
• Stay hydrated to prevent fluid imbalances
• Manage allergies through medication or avoiding triggers
• Protect your eyes from injury by wearing safety goggles during high-risk activities

Regular Check-ups

Schedule regular eye exams to detect and address potential issues early. Your eye care professional can provide personalized advice on maintaining eye health and preventing conditions that may lead to eyelid swelling.

By understanding the causes of eyelid swelling, knowing how to properly use ointments, and implementing preventive measures, you can effectively manage this common condition and maintain healthy, comfortable eyes. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or severe symptoms, as they can provide the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.

Ointment in Eye for Infections, Styes, and How to Use

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Eye ointments can treat many common eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, and styes.

These ointments aren’t the same as eye drops. Drops are liquid, while ointments are semisolid and greasy, like petroleum jelly.

This article will take a closer look at some of the most common types of eye ointments, along with the eye infections and conditions they typically treat.

Infections can leave your eyes feeling sore, red, itchy, or swollen.

Some common eye infections include:

• Pink eye. Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is a common and highly contagious eye infection.
• Keratitis. This common condition affects the cornea. It’s most common among people who wear contact lenses.
• Blepharitis. This infection affects the eyelid and is caused by blocked oil glands in the eyelash follicles.
• Uveitis. Uveitis affects the middle layer of the eye, known as the uvea. An infection doesn’t always cause it.

The infections listed above have many possible causes. For instance, viruses, bacteria, and allergies can cause pink eye, as well as exposure to chemicals, such as chlorine. Fungi, parasites, and sexually transmitted infections can cause other eye infections.

The cause of the infection is important. Most eye ointments for infections are antibiotics. One exception is acyclovir, an antiviral ointment used to treat eye infections caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Antibiotic eye ointments work by targeting and killing bacteria. As a result, they’re only effective in treating eye infections caused by bacteria.

In the case of pink eye, for example, antibiotic eye ointments are only used to treat bacterial pink eye. They won’t work on viral pink eye, which is more common.

Doctors usually prescribe eye ointments for overnight use. Some of the most common ointments used to treat bacterial eye infections include:

• Bacitracin. This polypeptide antibiotic treats bacterial eye infections in adults.
• Erythromycin. A macrolide antibiotic, erythromycin treats eye infections such as conjunctivitis in adults. Newborns may receive this drug to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis.
• Ciprofloxacin. A quinolone antibiotic used for many bacterial eye infections, ciprofloxacin may be suitable for children older than 2 years.
• Gentamicin. This aminoglycoside antibiotic treats blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and other bacterial eye infections.
• Polymyxin B-neomycin-bacitracin (Neosporin). Neosporin is a combination antibiotic that treats conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis in adults.
• Polymyxin B-bacitracin (Polysporin). This combination antibiotic is prescribed for most bacterial eye infections.
• Tobramycin. This aminoglycoside antibiotic is suitable for most bacterial eye infections. It may be used in children older than 2 years.

These drugs generally require a prescription. However, other forms of the same antibiotics may be available over the counter (OTC).

Some OTC ointments, like Neosporin and Polysporin, are only meant to be used on your skin. Don’t use them in your eyes. They’re not the same as the prescription ointments with the same name that are meant for eye infections.

The drug’s packaging should clearly state that it’s for ophthalmic (eye) use. If you’re unsure, ask a pharmacist.

In many cases, eye infections clear on their own. Other eye infection treatments include:

• eye drops
• oral antibiotics
• antihistamines
• warm or cold compresses
• sterile saltwater (saline) solution

Keep in mind that ointments aren’t always the first line of treatment for eye infections.

Depending on the type of infection, severity, and your age, your doctor may start with other treatments first.

Styes are red, painful bumps that appear around the edges of eyelids. They tend to feel sore, swollen, or itchy.

Styes develop from blocked sweat glands or hair follicles around the eye. They usually go away on their own, but you can use home remedies to relieve symptoms.

For a more persistent stye, you might need eye drops or a prescription for an antibiotic eye ointment, like those listed above for eye infections.

If that doesn’t work, your doctor might suggest oral antibiotics.

As the name suggests, dry eyes refer to poorly lubricated eyes. This syndrome occurs from a lack of tears, or poor-quality tears.

Other symptoms include:

• stinging
• burning
• redness
• mucus production
• eye strain

Eye drops are the most common treatment for dry eyes. OTC gels and ointments are recommended for overnight use. Some of these products include:

• GenTeal Tears severe dry eye
• Refresh Celluvisc
• Bausch + Lomb Soothe lubricant eye ointment
• SYSTANE Nighttime lubricant eye ointment

These treatments aren’t medicated. They contain lubricants like mineral oil or white petrolatum. Check the ingredient list to make sure they don’t contain preservatives or phosphates, which can be harmful to your eyes.

Dry eyes can also increase your risk for an eye infection. This is because tears, which contain salt, help flush out potentially harmful germs from your eyes.

If you do develop an eye infection, your doctor may recommend an antibiotic, such as pills, eye drops, or one of the ointments listed in the eye infections section above.

If you’re using ointment as well as eye drops, put the eye drops in first. Wait 10 minutes before applying the ointment.

Follow these steps to safely apply eye ointment:

1. Wash your hands. You’ll need to touch your eye to apply the ointment. Wash your hands thoroughly before getting started. Or, you can use a clean pair of medical gloves.
2. Warm up the tube. Close your hand around the tube to warm up the ointment inside.
3. Remove the cap from the tube. Place the cap on a clean surface. Once the tube is open, avoid touching the tip with anything.
4. Tilt your head back. You may want to stand in front of a mirror so you can see your eye. Make sure your upper lid is raised.
5. Position the tube. Hold the tube with your dominant hand. The ointment should be very close to your eye, with the tip pointing toward it. Don’t let the tip touch your eye.
6. Pull down your bottom eyelid. Use your pointer finger to pull your eyelid down without touching the inside of your eye. The red part under your bottom eyelid should form a small pocket for the ointment.
7. Gently squeeze the tube. Without letting the tip of the tube touch your eye, squeeze a line of ointment into the pocket under your eye. Twist the tube to help the ointment break off from the tip and fall into your lower eyelid.
8. Close your eyes. Let both eyelids close, and leave them closed for 1 minute. The ointment should melt with your body heat. While your eyes are closed, look up to help the ointment spread to the rest of your eye.
9. Clean the tip of the tube. Use a clean tissue or baby wipe to prevent the spread of germs.
10. Wash your hands. After you’ve finished, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

If you’re applying eye ointment to a baby or young child, it’s often easier to have your child lie down. You can wrap your child in a towel or blanket to limit their movement. You’ll need to hold your child’s upper eyelid while repeating the steps above.

It’s important to use antibiotic eye ointments for as long as your healthcare provider has directed. You’ll need to finish the treatment course, even if your symptoms have improved.

Accidents happen. You may get ointment meant for your skin in one of your eyes.

If this happens, flush your eye with water right away. You can do this with any stream of cool water, such as from a faucet or shower. You can also use sterile saline solution. Keep blinking while rinsing your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes.

If you’re concerned about the kind of ointment you got in your eye, contact the National Capital Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 or use its online triage tool to see whether you require further medical assistance.

Follow up with your doctor if you experience the following eye symptoms:

• redness
• swelling
• discharge
• pain
• changes in your vision

Eye ointments can treat many eye conditions, including infections, styes, and dry eyes.

Ointments for eye infections and styes are typically antibiotic, while dry eye ointments are OTC lubricants. Most eye ointments are prescribed for overnight application.

For best results, it’s important to follow the correct procedure when applying eye ointment.

If you accidentally get ointment in your eye that’s meant for your skin, be sure to rinse your eye thoroughly with a steady stream of cool water.

Follow up with your doctor if you have any swelling, pain, changes to your vision, or any other unusual symptoms.

Ointment in Eye for Infections, Styes, and How to Use

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Eye ointments can treat many common eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, and styes.

These ointments aren’t the same as eye drops. Drops are liquid, while ointments are semisolid and greasy, like petroleum jelly.

This article will take a closer look at some of the most common types of eye ointments, along with the eye infections and conditions they typically treat.

Infections can leave your eyes feeling sore, red, itchy, or swollen.

Some common eye infections include:

• Pink eye. Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is a common and highly contagious eye infection.
• Keratitis. This common condition affects the cornea. It’s most common among people who wear contact lenses.
• Blepharitis. This infection affects the eyelid and is caused by blocked oil glands in the eyelash follicles.
• Uveitis. Uveitis affects the middle layer of the eye, known as the uvea. An infection doesn’t always cause it.

The infections listed above have many possible causes. For instance, viruses, bacteria, and allergies can cause pink eye, as well as exposure to chemicals, such as chlorine. Fungi, parasites, and sexually transmitted infections can cause other eye infections.

The cause of the infection is important. Most eye ointments for infections are antibiotics. One exception is acyclovir, an antiviral ointment used to treat eye infections caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Antibiotic eye ointments work by targeting and killing bacteria. As a result, they’re only effective in treating eye infections caused by bacteria.

In the case of pink eye, for example, antibiotic eye ointments are only used to treat bacterial pink eye. They won’t work on viral pink eye, which is more common.

Doctors usually prescribe eye ointments for overnight use. Some of the most common ointments used to treat bacterial eye infections include:

• Bacitracin. This polypeptide antibiotic treats bacterial eye infections in adults.
• Erythromycin. A macrolide antibiotic, erythromycin treats eye infections such as conjunctivitis in adults. Newborns may receive this drug to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis.
• Ciprofloxacin. A quinolone antibiotic used for many bacterial eye infections, ciprofloxacin may be suitable for children older than 2 years.
• Gentamicin. This aminoglycoside antibiotic treats blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and other bacterial eye infections.
• Polymyxin B-neomycin-bacitracin (Neosporin). Neosporin is a combination antibiotic that treats conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis in adults.
• Polymyxin B-bacitracin (Polysporin). This combination antibiotic is prescribed for most bacterial eye infections.
• Tobramycin. This aminoglycoside antibiotic is suitable for most bacterial eye infections. It may be used in children older than 2 years.

These drugs generally require a prescription. However, other forms of the same antibiotics may be available over the counter (OTC).

Some OTC ointments, like Neosporin and Polysporin, are only meant to be used on your skin. Don’t use them in your eyes. They’re not the same as the prescription ointments with the same name that are meant for eye infections.

The drug’s packaging should clearly state that it’s for ophthalmic (eye) use. If you’re unsure, ask a pharmacist.

In many cases, eye infections clear on their own. Other eye infection treatments include:

• eye drops
• oral antibiotics
• antihistamines
• warm or cold compresses
• sterile saltwater (saline) solution

Keep in mind that ointments aren’t always the first line of treatment for eye infections.

Depending on the type of infection, severity, and your age, your doctor may start with other treatments first.

Styes are red, painful bumps that appear around the edges of eyelids. They tend to feel sore, swollen, or itchy.

Styes develop from blocked sweat glands or hair follicles around the eye. They usually go away on their own, but you can use home remedies to relieve symptoms.

For a more persistent stye, you might need eye drops or a prescription for an antibiotic eye ointment, like those listed above for eye infections.

If that doesn’t work, your doctor might suggest oral antibiotics.

As the name suggests, dry eyes refer to poorly lubricated eyes. This syndrome occurs from a lack of tears, or poor-quality tears.

Other symptoms include:

• stinging
• burning
• redness
• mucus production
• eye strain

Eye drops are the most common treatment for dry eyes. OTC gels and ointments are recommended for overnight use. Some of these products include:

• GenTeal Tears severe dry eye
• Refresh Celluvisc
• Bausch + Lomb Soothe lubricant eye ointment
• SYSTANE Nighttime lubricant eye ointment

These treatments aren’t medicated. They contain lubricants like mineral oil or white petrolatum. Check the ingredient list to make sure they don’t contain preservatives or phosphates, which can be harmful to your eyes.

Dry eyes can also increase your risk for an eye infection. This is because tears, which contain salt, help flush out potentially harmful germs from your eyes.

If you do develop an eye infection, your doctor may recommend an antibiotic, such as pills, eye drops, or one of the ointments listed in the eye infections section above.

If you’re using ointment as well as eye drops, put the eye drops in first. Wait 10 minutes before applying the ointment.

Follow these steps to safely apply eye ointment:

1. Wash your hands. You’ll need to touch your eye to apply the ointment. Wash your hands thoroughly before getting started. Or, you can use a clean pair of medical gloves.
2. Warm up the tube. Close your hand around the tube to warm up the ointment inside.
3. Remove the cap from the tube. Place the cap on a clean surface. Once the tube is open, avoid touching the tip with anything.
4. Tilt your head back. You may want to stand in front of a mirror so you can see your eye. Make sure your upper lid is raised.
5. Position the tube. Hold the tube with your dominant hand. The ointment should be very close to your eye, with the tip pointing toward it. Don’t let the tip touch your eye.
6. Pull down your bottom eyelid. Use your pointer finger to pull your eyelid down without touching the inside of your eye. The red part under your bottom eyelid should form a small pocket for the ointment.
7. Gently squeeze the tube. Without letting the tip of the tube touch your eye, squeeze a line of ointment into the pocket under your eye. Twist the tube to help the ointment break off from the tip and fall into your lower eyelid.
8. Close your eyes. Let both eyelids close, and leave them closed for 1 minute. The ointment should melt with your body heat. While your eyes are closed, look up to help the ointment spread to the rest of your eye.
9. Clean the tip of the tube. Use a clean tissue or baby wipe to prevent the spread of germs.
10. Wash your hands. After you’ve finished, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

If you’re applying eye ointment to a baby or young child, it’s often easier to have your child lie down. You can wrap your child in a towel or blanket to limit their movement. You’ll need to hold your child’s upper eyelid while repeating the steps above.

It’s important to use antibiotic eye ointments for as long as your healthcare provider has directed. You’ll need to finish the treatment course, even if your symptoms have improved.

Accidents happen. You may get ointment meant for your skin in one of your eyes.

If this happens, flush your eye with water right away. You can do this with any stream of cool water, such as from a faucet or shower. You can also use sterile saline solution. Keep blinking while rinsing your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes.

If you’re concerned about the kind of ointment you got in your eye, contact the National Capital Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 or use its online triage tool to see whether you require further medical assistance.

Follow up with your doctor if you experience the following eye symptoms:

• redness
• swelling
• discharge
• pain
• changes in your vision

Eye ointments can treat many eye conditions, including infections, styes, and dry eyes.

Ointments for eye infections and styes are typically antibiotic, while dry eye ointments are OTC lubricants. Most eye ointments are prescribed for overnight application.

For best results, it’s important to follow the correct procedure when applying eye ointment.

If you accidentally get ointment in your eye that’s meant for your skin, be sure to rinse your eye thoroughly with a steady stream of cool water.

Follow up with your doctor if you have any swelling, pain, changes to your vision, or any other unusual symptoms.

Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelid margins

The purpose of this leaflet is to explain to patients the nature and treatment of blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelid margins.

Essence of the disease

Blepharitis does not impair vision, but it can recur and be a very unpleasant disease. There are several types of blepharitis, but they all mean inflammation of the edge of the eyelid. Often this inflammation is combined with blockage of the meibomian glands. These glands open at the edge of the eyelid and produce an oily secretion, which is an important component of tears.

Treating blepharitis

By following the advice of your doctor or nurse, you can reduce symptoms yourself. If you are prescribed eye drops or eye ointment, be sure to use them (not all types of blepharitis require medication). In addition to this, twice a day, carry out the procedures described below. Your doctor or nurse will explain to you which treatment measures are best for your type of illness.

It will take 4 to 6 weeks for the treatment to start working. Therefore, your consistency is very important!

Warm compress

Hold a clean cotton swab moistened with warm water for about 5 minutes. If the swab is cold, soak it again in warm water. This procedure helps the discharge of a stagnant secret.

Eyelid massage

Using your finger or a Q-tip, gently stroke the eyelid from top to bottom in the direction of the lashes.

Stroke the lower eyelid with light pressure in the opposite direction – from the bottom up.

Massage all over the eyelid. This procedure helps to release the secretion that has stagnated in them from the meibomian glands.

Hygiene eyelids

Clean off any skin scales that have accumulated around the eyelashes from the edges of the eyelids. To do this, use cotton swabs that can be soaked in chilled boiled water or diluted baby shampoo (such as Johnson & Johnson).

Baby shampoo solution is prepared as follows:

1. Place a drop of baby shampoo on a cotton swab.
2. Place a cotton swab in a mug , half filled with chilled boiled water .
3. Prepare a new solution of every day.

Attention!

• Cotton swab can only be used once .
• Use multiple swabs per eye.
• Do not put the used swab back into solution , which you are still using.
• Do not clean the inside of the eyelids .

Eye drops

Eye drops should be instilled before applying eye ointment as directed by a physician.

Eye ointment

Use eye ointment as directed by your doctor and apply only to the rim of your eyelids.

Antibiotics

Some types of blepharitis require antibiotic treatment, which can sometimes last up to several weeks. Use antibiotics only as directed by your doctor. If side effects occur, stop taking the tablets and consult your family doctor.

Contact details:

East Tallinn Central Hospital Eye Clinic Ravi 18, Tallinn, tel. 666 1900

If you have questions or need more information, please contact your doctor or nurse.

ITK547
This informational material was approved by the Eye Clinic on 01/01/2023.

Arpimed

General

Basic physical and chemical properties

Yellowish or yellowish brown ointment.

Composition

Each 100 grams of tetracycline eye ointment 1% contains:

active substance: tetracycline – 1g;

excipients: anhydrous lanolin – 40g medical ophthalmic vaseline – up to 100 g

Pharmacological group and ATC code

Tetracycline antibiotics. Code ATX- S01AA09

Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics

Bacteriostatic antibiotic from the tetracycline group. Violates the formation of a complex between the transfer RNA and the ribosome, which leads to the suppression of protein synthesis.
Active against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms – Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus ducreyi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Francisella tularensis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus anthracis, and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Inactive against some strains of Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella spp., Aerobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens.

Pharmacokinetics

When applied topically, the therapeutic concentration of tetracycline in the tissues of the eye is achieved, systemic absorption is low. If the corneal epithelium is damaged, the effective concentration of tetracycline in the moisture of the anterior chamber is reached 30 minutes after application.

Indications for use

Bacterial (including chlamydial) eye infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to tetracycline – blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, meibomitis (barley), trachoma.

Dosage and administration

Topically.

A strip of ointment from 0.5 to 1 cm is applied behind the eyelid:

• for blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis: 3-4 times a day for 5-7 days;
• for keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis: 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days. If the condition does not improve within 3-5 days, you should consult your doctor;
• for meibomitis (barley): at night until the symptoms of inflammation disappear;
• for trachoma: every 2-4 hours or more often for 1-2 weeks. When the inflammatory process subsides, the drug is used 2-3 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment for trachoma is 1-2 months.

Adverse reactions

Allergic reactions, hyperemia and swelling of the eyelids, transient blurred vision.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug components,
• liver and kidney dysfunction,
• pregnancy,
• breastfeeding,
• children’s age (up to 8 years).