(er ith roe MYE sin)
Ocular infections (superficial): Treatment of superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva or cornea caused by organisms susceptible to erythromycin ophthalmic ointment
Ophthalmia neonatorum: Prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum due to N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis
Hypersensitivity to erythromycin or any component of the formulation
Ocular infections, superficial: Ophthalmic: Instill ~1 cm ribbon into affected eye(s) up to 6 times daily, depending on the severity of the infection
Refer to adult dosing.
Ocular infections (superficial): Children: Ophthalmic: Refer to adult dosing
Prophylaxis of neonatal gonococcal or chlamydial ophthalmia: Ophthalmic: Infants: Instill ~1 cm ribbon into each lower conjunctival sac
Avoid contact of tip of ophthalmic ointment tube with affected eye. When using for ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis, do not flush ointment from eye following instillation; use a new ointment tube for each neonate.
Store at 20 ‚ °C to 25 ‚ °C (68 ‚ °F to 77 ‚ °F); protect from freezing and excessive heat.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Ointment, Ophthalmic:
Ilotycin: 5 mg/g (1 g)
Romycin: 5 mg/g (3.5 g [DSC])
Generic: 5 mg/g (1 g, 3.5 g)
Vitamin K Antagonists (eg, warfarin): Erythromycin (Ophthalmic) may increase the serum concentration of Vitamin K Antagonists. Monitor therapy
Frequency not defined.
Ocular: Hypersensitivity, minor ocular irritation, redness
Dosage form specific issues:
- For ophthalmic use only. Avoid contamination. Do not touch tip of applicator or let tip of applicator touch eye.
B
Adverse events were not observed in animal reproduction studies. Erythromycin has been shown to cross the placenta following oral dosing. Refer to the Erythromycin (Systemic) monograph for details. The amount of erythromycin available systemically following ophthalmic application is not known. Systemic absorption would be required in order for erythromycin to cross the placenta and reach the fetus.
Inhibits RNA-dependent protein synthesis at the chain elongation step; binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit resulting in blockage of transpeptidation
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience eye redness. Have patient report immediately to prescriber vision changes, eye pain, or severe eye irritation (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.