Side Effects of Antibiotics for the Eye

Antibiotic drops or ointments may be used to prevent or treat bacterial infection in the eye. In newborns, erythromycin ointment is routinely administered to prevent eye infection from sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonnorrhea or chlamydia. All antimicrobial medicines carry risks of allergic reaction, overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, and the development of drug-resistant bacteria. It is important to consult a physician, to only use prescribed medication and to follow directions exactly when treating eye infections.

Irritation

In the case of newborns, eye irritation may occur. When infection is already present, burning, irritation and discomfort may become worse. Drug.com states that sensitivity to light may occur as a side effect of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Side effects of gentamicin eye drops, another antibiotic that may be prescribed, include inflammation and pain. Increased burning and inflammation may be signs of hypersensitivity to the medicine's ingredients and should be reported to a health care professional.

Bad Taste

A bitter or bad taste in the mouth was reported in a review of randomized controlled trials of antibiotic treatments for eye disorders. Unpleasant taste was associated with ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, norfloxacin and fusidate more often than other eye medications. These findings were published in the September 2000 of "Western Journal of Medicine."

Blurred Vision

Ophthalmic antibiotics in ointment form, such as erythromicin for use in newborns, can cause temporary blurred vision. Hospital staff may delay eye treatment in the baby for an hour or two after birth in order to minimize interference with an initial bonding period, a time when parents and babies tend to look each other in the eyes. Drugs.com reports that an eye ointment combining bacitracin, neomycin and polymixin B may also cause temporary blurred vision, suggesting caution when performing activities that require clear eyesight.

References

• Drugs.com: Ciprofloxacin Drops
• "Western Journal of Medicine," Clinical Evidence of Eye Disorders, Chung C, et. al., September 2000, 173(3)
• "Canadian Family Physician," Evidence Based Treatment of Acute Conjunctivitis, Visscher KL, et. al., November 2009, 559(11)
• Drugs.com: Neosporin Opthalmic Ointment
• "Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health," A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Ocular Prophylactic Agents Used for the Prevention of Gonococcal and Chlamydial Ophthalmia Neonatorum, Darling EK, et. al., July, 2010, 55(4)