Dr. Aditya Shah
Expert In Clinical Pharmacology And Drug SafetyView moreErythrocin (Erythromycin) is an antibiotic drug containing erythromycin and is used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is available in different forms, like intravenous, tropical and oral tablets. For ophthalmic use, the topical form of the drug is to be used for the best results.
Generic Name: erythromycin ophthalmic
Brand Name: Ilotycin®, Romycin®, Erygel®
Availability: prescription only, generic available
Drug Class: Macrolides, Ophthalmic
Make a note that, while using it for ophthalmic purposes, use it only in cases of bacterial infections like blepharitis and conjunctivitis. Never use the ointment for any infection of the eyes caused by viruses or fungi. The drug is a prescription-based one and hence, never use the same without consulting and taking guidance from a doctor.
You Can Buy Erythromycin Tablets:
| Medicines | Pack Size | Price: | Price/unit | Buy Now |
| Erythromycin 500 Mg | 90 Tablet/s | $36 | $0.40 | |
| Erythromycin 250 Mg | 90 Tablet/s | $20 | $0.22 |
When Is The Ointment Used For The Eyes?
The ointment is prescribed to patients under two conditions:
- Ocular infections like conjunctiva causes by susceptible bacteria.
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis are infections caused by bacteria, found in newborn babies. These are regarded as severe bacterial infections.
Among the tropical forms available for Erythrocin (Erythromycin), you will get it in gel form or ointment. Your doctor will suggest you the best option for your case. In the case of the babies, the gels are more preferred. However, relying on your doctor is preferred all the time.
How To Apply Erythromycin On Eyes?
The process of application of the gel or lotion must be followed specifically, as the cure of the infection depends much on the way you apply it. Here is a guide for using it on the patients:
For adults:
- Wash and rinse your hands properly with some medicated soap.
- If you are applying the gel yourself, turn your head to the mirror, inclined slightly downward, making sure that the gel won’t drop down from your eyes. If someone else is applying the gel, tilt your head towards him/her.
- Pull down the lower eyelid with your finger, so that the eye pocket widens for easy application.
- Squeeze the tube now, allowing a tiny ribbon of the medicated gel to touch your eyes. Take care that the tube in no way touches your eyes.
- Once the application is over, make sure that you close your eyes for a minute or two. This will allow the medicine to spread in your eyes.
- If something comes out of your eyes or touches the eyelids, wipe it out the same way using a clean tissue or medicated cotton pad.
For infants:
- Wash your hands with a medicated soap.
- Take the baby in your lap and keep him/her awake for the full time of applying the medication.
- Gently hold his/her bottom eyelid down with your finger and apply the gel. Ensure that your baby won’t whip his/her eye lids during this time.
- Put your palm on the eyes of your baby for 1-2 minutes, so that he/she tends to close his/her eyes.
- After 2 minutes, whip off the gel that is sticking to the eyelid or the bottom part. Use soft cotton balls for babies to whip that off.
Some Essential Considerations:
Driving/machines: In case you are about to drive or work on some machines, wait for at least 10-15 minutes. Just after the application of the gel, you can face blurred vision. Hence, wait for some time. You will experience clear vision after 10 minutes. Continue your activities then.
Contact lenses: If you use contact lenses, then it is a recommendation that you wear your specs during the infection. Lenses can increase your infection and can spread it too. However, if you are willing to wear your lenses, then at least wait for 15 minutes after applying the topical lotion of Erythrocin (Erythromycin). You can otherwise consult with your doctor for knowing the exact delay of using your contact lenses after the application of the gel.
Allergies: You can face allergies, redness, or itching in the eyes. If you are applying the same to your kid, try to apply the gel elsewhere before directly applying the same to the eyes. If you find that he/she is not allergic to it, then only apply it to the eyes. Adults, if they face sore throats or allergies on the rest body or itching in the eyes, can at least tell you, but infants cannot. Hence, be extra careful about the gel for the infants.
Complete the course: You can sense that your itching or redness is gone and feel that you are completely cured. However, there remain bacteria underneath, and they will relapse again. Hence, complete treatment as suggested by your doctor must be followed.
Dosage: The gel can be applied 4 times a day, 6 hours apart. The amount of gel to be applied depends on the eye-opening slit. Take additional guidance from your doctor for the dosage.
Storage: The drug is to be stored at room temperature. Never expose it to the sun or never freeze it. Ensure that your kids and pets cannot reach the ointment.
FAQs
Q. Can I Take The Oral Tablet For Eye Treatment?
Erythromycin 500 Mg is the oral tablet that you can take. However, it is not preferred for use during eye treatment.
Q. What Drugs Shall I Avoid While Using Erythromycin?
If you are taking erythromycin in oral form, you must avoid all types of blood thinners and PDE5 inhibitors, as they cause a fall in BP. You also need to consult your doctor if you take calcium channel blockers. In case you are applying the gel, avoid acne-curing items and alcohol products.
Q. How Long Will I Have To Apply The Gel?
Usually, the application time of the gel is 8 to 12 weeks for the kids, and that in case of adults is 3 to 4 months. However, take consultation from your doctor to decide the right tenure.
Q. Is It Safe To Use Erythromycin In The US?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to apply erythromycin gel for eyes in the US. The same was approved by the FDA in 1997, and it is preferred well by the doctors.
Q. Where From Shall I Purchase The Medicine Online?
You can make your purchase from Powpills, the popular online drug store of the US, which is known for its wide stock of generic medicines.