Erythromycin is a frequently prescribed antibiotic that's available in many forms-- including tablets, capsules and suspensions for oral use; powders and solutions for intravenous or intramuscular injection; and gels and ointments for topical and ophthalmic use. Although side effects may occur with any drug, erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is well tolerated and has largely replaced the use of silver nitrate in newborns.
Indications
According to the 2005 Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy, the ophthalmic ointment is indicated for use in all newborns for the prevention of a bacterial eye infection known as ophthalmia neonatorum due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. It's also prescribed in patients of all ages for the treatment of superficial bacterial infections of the eye.
Side Effects
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment has an excellent safety record since Bausch + Lomb was granted approval to market the drug in 1994. The most common side effects involve irritation to the surface of the eye (conjunctivitis) or the eyelids (blepharitis), which is characterized by redness, itching, tearing and light sensitivity. Contamination of the ointment in the tube can occur from contact with unwashed hands or from contact with any part of the eye. This can result in a secondary bacterial infection and requires medical attention.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
An allergic reaction to the medication or one of the preservatives in the ointment can result in intense itching, swelling of the eyelids/area around the eyes and eye pain. This is more common in patients with a known allergy to other forms of erythromycin and should be considered before staring treatment.
Inappropriate use of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (prolonged use) can result in an acquired sensitivity with symptoms similar to conjunctivitis described earlier. Any disturbance of vision--such as blurred or double vision, or eye pain following use of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment--requires immediate medical evaluation.
References
- "The Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy 2005"; David Gilbert, M.D., et al; 2005
- "Physician's Desk Reference: Primary Care Resource Center"
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