Erythromycin Eye Ointment

The active ingredient in the ophthalmic ointment is erythromycin, an antibiotic. It stops the growth of bacteria that cause infections of the eye, like pink eye, by stopping the production of proteins they need to grow.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of the ointment:

-If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the eye ointment. You may put them back in 15 minutes after the application.

-Wash your hands.

-Gently pull down the lower eyelid with your finger and apply a strip of ointment approximately 0.5-1cm long. The tip of the tube should never touch your eye. If you touch your eye with the applicator, this may introduce bacteria into the tube and cause re-infection.

-Close your eye(s) for 30 seconds.

-Wait at least 15 minutes before using any other eye drops or eye medications.

Your doctor may instruct you to apply the eye ointment to other parts of your eye. You should use the ointment as directed by your healthcare provider.

In the case of a missed dose, apply the ointment as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and apply the ointment at the scheduled time.

The most common side effects of the erythromycin eye ointment include:

-Eye irritation or blurry vision. These should subside shortly after applying the ointment.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using the eye ointment. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

-Increased itching or a skin rash around the eye, hives, swelling of the eye, face, mouth, or throat. These may be signs of a mild allergic reaction.

These are not all of the possible side effects of erythromycin eye ointment. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Using erythromycin ointment in the case of drug-resistant bacteria will not provide benefit.

Prolonged treatment with erythromycin ointment may lead to overgrowth of bacteria that do not respond to this antibiotic, which may lead to superinfections.

Before you start to use erythromycin eye ointment, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider, including eye conditions.

Erythromycin ointment should not be used in people who have had an allergic reaction to erythromycin or any of the inactive ingredients of the formulation.

It should not be used for an infection caused by bacteria that are resistant to erythromycin.

Erythromycin eye ointment is not indicated for the treatment of viral infections.

You may feel benefits from using the ointment within days, but you should use the ointment for the duration specified by your doctor to avoid the infection coming back.

When erythromycin eye ointment is used with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, especially other eye medications like eye drops or ointments. These may need to be spaced out from the time when you apply the erythromycin eye ointment.

Erythromycin eye ointment contains 5mg of erythromycin per gram of ointment.

Store erythromycin eye ointment at room temperature, out of the reach of children.

Many generic manufacturers make erythromycin eye ointment, including Pharma Stulln Inc., Steri-med Pharma Inc., and Pharmascience Inc.

Yes, there are generic versions of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment.

It is important that you use the ophthalmic ointment for the duration specified by your doctor to avoid the infection coming back.

Erythromycin is safe to use in neonates, but its use in pregnancy is not well studied. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Studies suggest that the eye ointment poses minimal risk to an infant while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.