Erythromycin Ointment 0.5% Ophthalmic Eye Ointment, Sterile 3.5 grams (Rx)

Erythromycin Ointment 0.5% is a prescription topical antibiotic used primarily to treat and prevent bacterial infections of the eye and surrounding areas. It contains 0.5% erythromycin, an antibiotic in the macrolide class that works by stopping the growth of harmful bacteria. This ointment is widely used in both adults and children, including newborns, due to its effectiveness and safety profile.

Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment 0.5% (Sterile, 3.5 grams) is a trusted, FDA-approved prescription antibiotic ointment designed to treat and prevent a wide range of bacterial eye infections. Specially formulated for sensitive ocular tissues, erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment provides effective, broad-spectrum antibacterial action, making it a first-line choice for treating eye infections like bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye), superficial ocular infections, blepharitis, and prevention of neonatal ophthalmia due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis.

Uses and Indications

Erythromycin Ointment 0.5% is commonly prescribed for:

• Bacterial Eye Infections: Such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and superficial ocular infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
• Neonatal Eye Prophylaxis: Routinely given to newborns to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, a serious eye infection that can be acquired during childbirth.
• Blepharitis: Infection or inflammation of the eyelid margins.
• Post-Surgical Eye Care: To prevent infection after certain eye procedures.

• Sterile 0.5% erythromycin base in an ophthalmic ointment
• Safe for all ages, including infants and children
• Broad-spectrum topical antibiotic for bacterial eye infections
• Trusted in hospitals, clinics, and at home

How Does Erythromycin Ointment Work?

Erythromycin interferes with the protein production of bacteria, preventing them from growing and multiplying. By controlling bacterial growth, the infection is cleared and further spread is prevented.

How to Use Erythromycin Ointment 0.5%

• Dosage: Usually a ribbon of ointment (~1 cm) is applied directly to the inside of the lower eyelid of the affected eye(s), typically 2-6 times daily as prescribed.
• Neonatal Use: For newborn prophylaxis, a single application is usually given in each eye soon after birth.
• Instructions: Wash hands before application. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to prevent contamination.
• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before using the ointment and wait until infection has cleared and treatment is complete to resume use.

Side Effects & Precautions

• Common Side Effects: Mild eye irritation, redness, blurred vision (temporary), and minor burning or stinging.
• Rare but Serious: Severe allergic reaction; seek medical attention if symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing occur.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe, but use under medical supervision.

Erythromycin Ointment 0.5% is an effective and safe antibiotic ointment for the prevention and treatment of bacterial eye infections in patients of all ages, including newborns. It is easy to apply, well-tolerated, and widely recommended by healthcare professionals for bacterial conjunctivitis and prophylaxis against serious eye infections.

Uses & Indications

• Primary Use: Treatment of superficial ocular infections caused by erythromycin-sensitive bacteria, such as bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
• Prevention of Neonatal Ophthalmia: Prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum due to N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis during newborn eye care (per CDC and AAP guidelines).
• Secondary Uses: Post-surgical infection prevention, infected eye wound care, adjunct to other treatments for corneal ulcers.

How to Use Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment

Directions for use:

1. Wash hands thoroughly before application.
2. Tilt head back and gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a pocket.
3. Apply a 1 cm (about ½ inch) ribbon of ointment into the lower conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s).
4. Close the eye gently and roll the eyeball to evenly spread the ointment.
5. Avoid touching the tube tip to the eye, skin, or any surface to maintain sterility.
6. Replace cap tightly after use.

For newborn prophylaxis:

• Administer as a single ribbon in each eye immediately after birth, per healthcare professional’s instructions.

Dosage and Administration

• For Treatment of Eye Infections:

  • Adults & Children: Apply a 1 cm (½ inch) ribbon inside the lower eyelid of the affected eye(s) up to 6 times daily, as directed by your physician. Frequency may decrease as improvement occurs.
  • Duration: Continue for the prescribed period, often 7 days, or as your doctor directs.

• For Neonatal Prophylaxis:

  • Apply once in each eye immediately after birth.

• Missed Dose:

  • Apply as soon as you remember unless it’s near the time of the next dose. Do not double up.

Complete the full course even if symptoms improve to prevent recurrence or resistance.

Specifications

• Active Ingredient: Erythromycin 0.5% (5 mg per gram ophthalmic ointment)
• Formulation: Sterile ophthalmic ointment
• Tube Size: 3.5 grams (standard for single or multiple course use)
• Manufacturer: Armas Pharmaceuticals
• NDC: 7478-0070-35
• Container: Tamper-evident tube with sterile cap
• Prescription Status: Rx only (prescription required)
• Storage: Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); do not freeze
• Pediatric Use: Safe for infants and children

Drug Interactions

• Systemic Absorption: Minimal with ophthalmic use, so risk of drug interactions is low.
• Topical Interactions: Using multiple eye products? Wait 5–10 minutes between applications, and use ointments last.
• **Avoid simultaneous use with other topical antibiotics or glaucoma eye drops unless instructed by your physician.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all eye medications and eye conditions.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects (usually mild and self-limiting):

• Temporary blurred vision after application
• Mild eye irritation, stinging, or burning
• Mild redness or discomfort

Rare Side Effects:

• Hypersensitivity reactions: Eyelid swelling, itching, rash
• Eye swelling, severe redness, discharge (if infection worsens or allergic reaction occurs)

Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical care):

• Severe eye pain
• Vision changes that do not resolve shortly after application
• Signs of severe allergic reaction (swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing)

Warnings and Precautions

• For ophthalmic use only: Do not inject or swallow.
• Do not touch tube tip to any surface to avoid contamination.
• Discontinue use and consult your doctor if irritation, allergic reaction, or new/worsening symptoms appear.
• Wearers of contact lenses: Remove lenses before use; lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes after application, unless contraindicated by your eye doctor.
• Use in pregnancy/breastfeeding: Generally considered safe, but check with your healthcare provider.
• May cause temporary blurred vision; do not drive or operate machinery immediately after use.
• Discard any unused ointment after the prescribed course is completed or after 30 days of opening.