Erythromycin ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.
Erythromycin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erythromycin ophthalmic?
Do not use erythromycin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is
used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.
Erythromycin ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely
to harm an unborn baby. Do not use erythromycin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant.
It is not known whether erythromycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use
erythromycin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take erythromycin ophthalmic?
Use erythromycin ophthalmic eye ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before using the eye ointment.
To apply the ointment:
Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that
the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower
eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your
eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication,
allow at least 10 minutes before the next application.
Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or
hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Store erythromycin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep
the tube properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose of erythromycin ophthalmic?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not
use a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about erythromycin ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about erythromycin ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of erythromycin ophthalmic?
Serious side effects are not expected to occur during treatment with this medication.
Commonly, some eye burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to
light may occur.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about erythromycin ophthalmic?
Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The tube
opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment. After
applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking erythromycin ophthalmic?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Erythromycin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these
activities.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment. After
applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with erythromycin ophthalmic
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What other drugs will affect erythromycin ophthalmic?
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with erythromycin ophthalmic
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with erythromycin ophthalmic. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of erythromycin ophthalmic?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009