Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment USP
What is ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP used for?
- ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP is used to treat bacterial eye infections.
- Antibacterial drugs like ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections. Although you may feel better early in the treatment, ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP should be used exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP (resistance). This means that ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.
How does ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP work?
ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP is an antibiotic. It works by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause your infection.
What are the ingredients in ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP?
Medicinal ingredients: Erythromycin
Non-medicinal ingredients: Mineral oil, Petrolatum
ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP comes in the following dosage forms:
Ointment: 5mg / g
Do not use ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP if you:
- Are allergic to erythromycin or any other ingredients of ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP
- Have infections that are resistant to this medication (bacteria will not be killed).
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP. These can be re-inserted 15 minutes after application of the ointment.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
How to take ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP:
Follow your doctor’s instruction carefully about how much ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP to apply and when to apply it.
Usual dose:
Apply the ointment directly into the affected eye(s) one or more times daily as directed by your doctor.
Administration:
- 1. Wash hands before use.
- 2. Remove tube cap.
- 3. Tilt head up when looking in a mirror.
- 4. Gently pull down the lower eyelid until there is a “pocket” (see picture below).
- 5. Apply a ribbon of ointment 0.5-1 cm along in this pocket (see picture below).
- 6. Let go of the lower eyelid and close the eye for 30 seconds.
- 7. If you use ointment in both eyes, repeat the steps for the other eye.
- 8. To avoid contamination and injury, do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye.
- 9. If you are using another eye medicine, wait at least 15 minutes before applying the other medicine.
- 10. For the multiple-use 3.5 g tube, close and tighten the cap. If you are using a 1 g single-use tube, discard tube after use.
Overdose:
| In case of drug overdose, including ingestion, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre, even if there are no symptoms. |
Missed Dose:
If you forget to apply the ointment, simply apply it as soon as you remember. Then go back to the original schedule as directed by your doctor. Do not apply 2 doses to make up for the missed dose.
What are possible side effects from using ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- Hives
- Skin rashes
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help |
| Only if severe | In all cases | |
RARE Severe allergic reaction with symptoms such as: swelling of the face, mouth, throat, lips, eyes, difficulty breathing, burning and/or painful red eyes, tearing, skin reactions (rash, blisters, and hives). | ||
| X | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
Storage:
Store at room temperature (15-30oC). Protect from freezing. Keep tightly closed.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full prescribing information that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (http://hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php).