Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. Erythromycin ointment - instructions for use in ophthalmology. Composition and effects on the eyes

16.10.2020

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Erythromycin ointment is an ophthalmic drug that contains the non-toxic antibiotic erythromycin. The main active ingredient of the drug (erythromycin) is contained in the following ratio: per gram of ointment – ​​10,000 units. Erythromycin is considered a “mild” antibacterial drug. In most cases, it is well tolerated by the body and does not cause undesirable consequences.

The drug is prescribed, among other things, to those patients who are allergic to antibiotics of the penicillin group. The problem with using ointment is that pathogens have the ability to quickly adapt to the effects of erythromycin.

Description of the drug

Excipients: anhydrous lanolin, sodium disulfite (sodium metabisulfite, sodium pyrosulfite), petroleum jelly for eye ointments. Erythromycin eye ointment has a brownish-yellow tint. The drug is available in aluminum or laminate tubes of various volumes: 3 g, 7 g, 10 g and 15 g. The tubes, along with instructions for use of the drug, are packaged in cardboard boxes.

The drug is stored in a dark, cool place at room temperature not exceeding 25 degrees (list B). The package with ointment must be placed out of reach of children.

The medicine is suitable for use for three years. The shelf life of the drug is indicated on the packaging. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is sold in pharmacies as prescribed by a doctor. To use the ointment effectively, it must be placed in the area behind the lower eyelid in the form of a strip one centimeter long. The procedure is repeated three times a day. The duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician depending on the form and severity of the disease. The standard course does not exceed two weeks.

When treating trachoma, the duration of use of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is no more than three months. Treatment with ointment in this case should be combined with surgical procedures: opening the follicles. Therapy for chlamydial conjunctivitis involves the use of erythromycin ointment four to five times a day. The ointment is placed in the conjunctival sac.

Erythromycin has an antibacterial effect on many strains of bacteria that are resistant to other types of antibiotics. However, most gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi and viruses are insensitive to this type of antibiotic. In addition, resistance of microorganisms to erythromycin quickly develops.

Also read about which eye drops come with antibiotics.

Drugs containing erythromycin are better tolerated than penicillin drugs. They may be prescribed to patients who exhibit an allergic reaction to penicillins.

Erythromycin eye ointment is prescribed for the treatment of ophthalmological diseases, the origin of which is associated with exposure to microorganisms sensitive to erythromycin. The drug is used if necessary to treat the following diseases:

  • Conjunctivitis;
  • Conjunctivitis in newborns;
  • Blepharoconjunctivitis;
  • Chlamydial conjunctivitis;
  • Bacterial blepharitis;
  • Keratitis;
  • Barley;
  • Trachoma;
  • Ophthalmia of newborns.

The following conditions are contraindications for the use of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment:

  • Individual hypersensitivity of the body to erythromycin or any components included in the drug;
  • Severe renal or liver dysfunction.

Do not use the drug if you have a history of jaundice.

During pregnancy

There is not enough information about the consequences of using the drug during pregnancy and lactation. Therapeutic measures using erythromycin ophthalmic ointment are possible only in cases of extreme necessity, when the result of treatment significantly outweighs the risk of adverse reactions.

If it is necessary to use ointment during breastfeeding, feeding the baby with breast milk should be temporarily stopped.

For small children

Medical recommendations for the use of erythromycin in young children vary somewhat. Some instructions explicitly state that erythromycin is considered a “mild” antibiotic, and therefore a drug approved for use in infants. In other cases, it is noted that there is not yet enough data on the consequences of exposure to this antibiotic on the body of infants. Therefore, it is recommended to use erythromycin eye ointment in the shortest possible courses when treating children.

In cases where severe gonorrhea is detected in the infant's mother, it is necessary to combine the use of erythromycin ointment with the use of an aqueous solution of penicillin G (for parenteral administration).

When using erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, minor local irritation sometimes occurs: hyperemia, blurred vision, irritation of the eye mucosa. In most cases, the drug is well tolerated.

An undesirable consequence of using the drug is the development of allergic reactions that occur in the event of hypersensitivity to the components of the ointment. If the drug is used for a long time, there may be a risk of developing a secondary infection caused by microorganisms resistant to the effects of erythromycin.

There is no data on the possibility of undesirable consequences of a drug overdose.

Interaction of erythromycin eye ointment with other medications should occur only after consultation with your doctor. Erythromycin is an antagonist drug of chloramphenicol, clindamycin and lincomycin. It greatly reduces the bactericidal effect of penicillins, carbopenems, and cephalosporins.

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Chorioretinitis of the eye

The drug enhances the effects of corticosteroids when used simultaneously. Using erythromycin ointment with abrasives that cause skin exfoliation may contribute to irritation or a drying effect.

Erythromycin should not be taken with milk or other dairy products.

Erythromycin eye ointment is an antibacterial drug with a bacteriostatic effect. The medicine is effective against a large number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including a large number of strains of pathogenic microbes that are resistant to other types of antibiotics. However, the ointment does not have a therapeutic effect in cases where the disease is caused by microbacteria, fungal infection, viral infection, or gram-negative bacteria.

Erythromycin ointment can be used as prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of infectious eye diseases in cases where the disease is caused by microorganisms sensitive to this antibacterial drug.

The duration of treatment should be determined by the doctor depending on the age and condition of the patient.

Erythromycin ointment is widely used in ophthalmology. It is prescribed for certain diseases of the organs of vision, when they are susceptible to “attack” by microorganisms such as chlamydia, as well as mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas. This drug belongs to the group of topical antibiotics and is used in ophthalmological practice to treat formations on the eyelids, conjunctivitis and others, which will be discussed in this article.

Description of the drug

Eye ointment Erythromycin has a yellowish or brownish tint, and is an active antibiotic based on a non-toxic substance of the macrolide group. Among the excipients are lanolin, sodium disulfide, petroleum jelly.

Erythromycin ointment

Available in aluminum tubes of 3, 7, 10, 15 g. Each package is supplied with detailed instructions in Russian. Before use, you should read the detailed instructions in detail and follow the doctor’s recommendations. The drug is available without a doctor's prescription, but you need to remember the dangers of self-use of this group of drugs.

Analogues of the drug are Floxal eye drops and Floxal ointment, Tetracycline.

Pharmacological action and group

Eye ointment is a drug based on a non-toxic antibiotic; it belongs to the group of erythromycin macrolides. Shows its activity against numerous gram-positive microorganisms and bacteria. This antibacterial substance is also capable of destroying gram-negative bacteria, including those strains that exhibit resistance to other types of antibiotics.

The activity of erythromycin is especially visible in interaction with the following types of bacteria:

  • Actinomyces israelii,
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae
  • Ciostridium spp.,
  • Corynebacterium diphtheriae,
  • Listeria monocytogenes,
  • Haemophilus influenzae,
  • Chlamydia, viruses, fungi, mycobacteria.

This drug is better tolerated than many other penicillins, which means that it can be prescribed when others have contraindications or do not have the same degree of effect as needed.

Indications and contraindications for use

Indications include ophthalmological diseases:

  • Ophthalmia in newborns.
  • Conjunctivitis.
  • Keratitis.
  • Chlamydia.
  • Trachoma.
  • Blepharitis caused by bacteria.
  • Barley.
  • Blepharoconjunctivitis.

For diseases of the eyelids or the area around the eyes, the ointment is prescribed by a doctor and is used depending on the degree of development of the disease.

Erythromycin ointment is usually used for two months, and is applied to the affected tissue up to two to three times a day. For burns of different degrees, use should be carried out according to a different scheme.

Contraindications include liver and kidney disease, failure, jaundice and hypersensitivity to the substances of the drug.

During pregnancy

Based on the fact that the use of antibiotics during pregnancy is, in principle, undesirable, we can conclude that erythromycin ointment should also be used with extreme caution and only in extreme cases. The decision should remain with the attending physician, and if the use of the drug cannot be avoided, the dosage and schedule of use should be strictly observed.

For small children

The use of ointment for children should be strictly limited, and the dosage of the drug is determined exclusively by the doctor.

Possible complications caused by the drug

Side effects include the possible appearance of itching, hyperemia, and slight irritation of mucous surfaces. In some cases, peeling of the skin is observed, and changes in vision may also begin in the form of blurred image perception.

Video

conclusions

Erythromycin ointment is a gentle antibiotic that effectively relieves the symptoms of diseases of the eye organs, having a rather mild effect in relation to other drugs. When used correctly and used according to instructions, you can quickly relieve inflammation and alleviate the patient’s condition.

Erythromycin ointment is an ophthalmic drug created on the basis of the macrolide antibiotic erythromycin.

This is a synthetic component that affects many gram-negative microorganisms that cause diseases of the organs of vision(mycoplasma, ureaplasma, chlamydia and others).

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment: instructions for use and general information

Erythromycin ointment has a bacteriostatic effect due to the presence of erythromycin in the composition.

Note! In addition to gram-negative bacteria, the drug is active against some viruses and fungi.

Erythromycin is available without a prescription, but its use must be discussed with your doctor. The drug is intended for external use only.

The main therapeutic effect on the affected tissues when the medicine is applied is provided by the antibiotic erythromycin, which within a few days destroys harmful microflora in pathological tissues, preventing the development of the disease.

pharmachologic effect

When applying the ointment, erythromycin quickly penetrates the surface of the mucous membrane of the eye, but does not enter the systemic bloodstream, so any toxic negative effects on the body are excluded.

The drug comes into direct contact with pathogens and penetrates their cells, disrupting reproduction processes.

Need to know! As a result, the pathogenic microflora is first deprived of the opportunity to reproduce, and subsequently erythromycin has a destructive effect on the bacteria themselves.

Long-term treatment with this medicine can cause antibiotic resistance in such bacteria.

Therefore, treatment should be carried out strictly according to an individual regimen drawn up by the attending physician, and prolongation of the course in each individual case is considered based on the results of the dynamics of treatment.

Release form and composition

Erythromycin eye ointment Available in aluminum tubes with volumes from 3 to 15 grams.

The product is a brown-yellow homogeneous thick composition.

The drug contains:

  • erythromycin;
  • petrolatum;
  • sodium disulfite;
  • anhydrous lanolin.

Mode of application

According to the instructions for use, depending on the disease and the severity of its course, erythromycin for the eyes applied three to five times a day.

During each procedure, a strip of medication no more than one centimeter long is placed under the lower eyelid.

Important! The duration of the entire course of treatment should not be more than five days - after this period, the absence of positive dynamics is considered a sign that pathogenic microorganisms have developed resistance to erythromycin, and its further use is inappropriate.

Indications for use

In ophthalmology, erythromycin eye ointment is prescribed for the following diseases:

  • ophthalmia in newborns;
  • bacterial and viral conjunctivitis;
  • barley;
  • keratitis;
  • blepharitis of various origins.

Use in children

Remedy for children prescribed at any age(the medicine is also suitable for the treatment of ophthalmological pathologies in newborns).

It is worth noting! The drug is mainly used to treat blepharitis, conjunctivitis and keratitis. It is better to apply the medicine three times a day.

Interaction with other drugs

The main active ingredient of the drug is erythromycin. is an antagonist of drugs such as chloramphenicol, clindamycin and lincomycin.

Accordingly, the use of such drugs together with this medicine will lead to a mutual weakening of the effects.

When using beta-lactam antibacterial agents together with erythromycin ointment the bactericidal effect of the former is reduced.

These drugs include all cephalosporin and penicillin antibiotics.

Side effects and contraindications

Means contraindicated if signs of hypersensitivity occur to the components it contains, and is also not recommended patients with severe liver dysfunction.

The main side effect of using the drug is the occurrence of allergic reactions.

Carefully! Use longer than the period indicated in the instructions is fraught with the development of a secondary infection due to the development of drug resistance in pathogenic microflora.

Storage conditions and periods

Remedy needed store in a dark, dry place at a temperature not exceeding +15 degrees. The product can be stored for three years from the date of manufacture indicated on the packaging.

Similar drugs

If there is no effect during treatment or if allergic reactions to erythromycin occur, specialists can prescribe the patient one of the drug analogues:

  1. Phloxal ointment.
    A common remedy for barley, blepharitis, eye injuries and any inflammatory diseases. This drug is most active against chlamydia.
  2. Tetracycline eye ointment.
    An antibiotic with a bacteriostatic effect that affects the protein synthesis system in the cells of pathogenic microorganisms.
    It is used in cases where the pathogens are bacteria (except group A streptococci).
  3. Hydrocortisone ointment.
    A glucocorticosteroid type drug obtained synthetically.
    When applied to inflamed and damaged tissues, the medicine not only fights pathogens, but also relieves swelling, and also eliminates itching and irritation.
  4. Maxitrol.
    A remedy that is ineffective against eye infections by fungi and viruses, but is effective in the case of bacterial origin of pathologies.
    The product has a therapeutic effect and relieves symptoms of diseases (itching, swelling, redness).

average price

Note! The medicine costs 27-30 rubles in most Russian pharmacies. In some cases, the deviation from this price value may be 5 rubles in one direction or another.

Reviews

"Recently I the lower eyelid on the right eye is inflamed. I didn’t go to the doctor because I had an infectious disease on my face, which I was used to treating on my own.

For these needs, our family first aid kit always has erythromycin ointment.

Swelling and inflammation went away in just four days, and a week later the signs of the disease completely disappeared.”

Natalya Vostrikova, 38 years old.

« Barley in children occurs very often, and our family has not escaped this disease.

But if many years ago we treated our eldest son in such cases with traditional methods, then we decided to show my six-month-old daughter to a doctor who would prescribe the safest medicine, since at this age any drugs can be potentially hazardous to health.

The specialist prescribed erythromycin ointment three times a day, and already on the second day the signs of the disease began to disappear, completely disappearing on the fifth day.”

Elena Barinova, Vologda.

Useful video

In this video you will see a description and indications for the use of erythromycin ointment:

Erythromycin ointment considered one of the safest ophthalmic drugs, but its effectiveness depends on the nature of the disease, so this remedy may not always give a positive result.

Before using this product, you should consult your doctor, and in any case This ointment should not be used as the main treatment: the best option would be to include it as part of complex therapy.

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is a topical antibiotic. It is widely used in ophthalmology for bacterial infections.

Can be used if you are intolerant to penicillin. The drug has an effect due to its ability to disrupt the proliferation of bacteria.

When prescribed to children and adults

Erythromycin has an effective effect on:

  • gram-positive microorganisms;
  • chlamydia.

Resistant to the active substance:

  • gram-negative bacteria;
  • mycobacteria;
  • many viruses;
  • mushrooms.

Chlamydia trachomatis

The drug is prescribed for therapy:

  • conjunctivitis;
  • ophthalmia in newborns;
  • blepharitis;
  • keratitis;
  • barley;
  • blepharoconjunctivitis;
  • trachoma.

Erythromycin eye ointment can be used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes for children, including newborns. If a woman in labor has gonorrhea, the child is advised to combine Erythromycin with a penicillin antibiotic.

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Contraindications

The drug is not prescribed for:

  • presence of sensitivity to the active substance;
  • liver failure and other disorders;
  • previous jaundice;
  • abnormalities in kidney function.

The ointment is used with caution in pregnant women and elderly people. To use the drug during lactation, you must temporarily stop breastfeeding.

Resistance to Erythromycin develops quite quickly. It is not recommended to use the drug for a long time, like other antibiotics.

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If the patient has suffered from jaundice, then prescribing the medication is prohibited

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Possible adverse reactions

The following undesirable effects were observed in patients:

  • allergic reactions;
  • itching and burning;
  • redness of the eyes;
  • local irritation;
  • secondary infection (relapse with long-term use);
  • disturbance of perception (immediately after instillation).

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Most often, patients complain of redness and itching during erythromycin therapy.

It is important not to miss the first signs of the disease and start therapy in a timely manner - find out the possible causes of black spots before your eyes.

Composition and release form

Erythromycin contains:

  • the main active ingredient is erythromycin;
  • additional components: specialized petroleum jelly, lanolin and preservatives.

The eye ointment is produced in aluminum tubes with a screw cap in volumes of 10, 5 and 3 g. Packaging is cardboard with instructions for use.

The drug is a prescription drug. Does not require special storage conditions. Shelf life – 5 years from the date of production.

When using the ointment, it is important to maintain the sterility of the opened package. The tip of the tube should not come into contact with the skin or the affected eye.

The symptoms and treatments for endocrine ophthalmopathy are described in detail here.

Convenient tube allows easy dosing of the drug

Acute inflammation of the tissues of the visual organ - endophthalmitis.

Overdose and drug interactions

No cases of overdose have been recorded. If too much Erythromycin is applied, blurred vision may occur. It is not recommended to remove excess ointment.

The drug cannot be combined with the use of:

  • lincomycin;
  • clindamycin;
  • chloramphenicol;
  • aminoglycosides.

Erythromycin enhances the effect of corticosteroids. Minimizes the effect of antibiotics:

  • penicillin;
  • cephalosporin;
  • caborpenem.

During simultaneous therapy with other drugs, at least 1 hour should pass between their use. It is recommended to first instill eye drops and then apply the ointment.

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The effectiveness of penicillin is reduced when combined with erythromycin

Inflammation between the sclera and conjunctiva - episcleritis of the eye.

Instructions for use of ointment

Use of the drug for children and adults:

  • method of application - by placing it behind the lower eyelid;
  • the length of the strip of squeezed out ointment is 1 – 1.5 cm;
  • dosage regimen – 3 times a day;
  • Duration of use - no more than 2 weeks (due to microorganisms becoming accustomed to the drug);
  • trachoma therapy – 4 – 5 times a day for 3-4 months;
  • for prevention purposes for newborns, the length of the strip is 0.5 - 1 cm once a day.

In each specific case, the duration of use of the drug is determined by the ophthalmologist, based on regular examinations of the patient.

It is unacceptable to use the drug while wearing contact lenses. Erythromycin is capable of creating a stable film on the surface of the material, which causes a deterioration in the quality of vision.

Do not remove residual ointment or rinse the eye in newborns when using Erythromycin.

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial drug from the group of fluoroquinolones

Analogues

The need to use analogues is due to possible sensitivity to the active component of the ointment. In some cases, a change in medication is required due to bacterial adaptation.

At the moment there are no complete analogues of Erythromycin. Other ointments and eye drops with an antimicrobial effect can be chosen as a substitute drug.

Drug substitutes based on the method of influencing microorganisms:

  • Tetracycline ointment;
  • Levomycetin;
  • Albucid;
  • Tobropt;
  • Azidrop;
  • Phloxal;
  • Tobrex;
  • Dexamethasone;
  • Mydriacyl;
  • Nettavisk ointment.

Before using analogues, you should carefully read the instructions and consult an ophthalmologist.

Broad-spectrum antibiotic from the aminoglycoside group

Cost and reviews

Prices for Erythromycin are affordable. The average cost of ointment in Russia is 94 rubles. Analogs of the drug are shown in the table below.

Based on reviews from patients and doctors, we can talk about the effectiveness of Erythromycin against all declared microorganisms. Disadvantages include side effects such as blurred vision.

  • Maria, 30 years old, Kazan:“Eye ointment was prescribed for my newborn son. The drug helped, but the child cried every time I used it. The product covered the entire eye with a thin film, and the doctor forbade it to be washed. If there was an alternative, I would change the form of the drug."
  • Elisha, 50 years old, Voronezh:“Erythromycin was recommended to me for a very long time for the treatment of chronic conjunctivitis. With every exacerbation I put it in both eyes. I did not notice any side effects in the form of irritation. The only drawback is that you can’t get behind the wheel right away.”
  • Svetlana Petrovna, ophthalmologist, 34 years old, Moscow:“The drug has an effect on a certain range of microorganisms. Therefore, before prescribing, it is necessary to accurately identify the nature of the infection. The medicine helps quickly, but is not always in demand among patients due to the inconvenient method of administration.”

Active ingredient: netilmicin

Erythromycin is indicated for the treatment of many ophthalmic diseases. Used in the treatment of newborns and for preventive purposes. Long-term use should be avoided due to the development of bacterial resistance to the active ingredient of the ointment.

Attention! The article is for informational purposes only. To obtain advice, you must contact a specialist. You should not start treatment on your own.

Dr. Len is a board-certified ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon at Stanford University. He completed his residency in vitreoretinal surgery at Stanford University in 2010.

Number of sources used in this article: . You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

If you have a bacterial eye infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent it. One of the most popular antibiotics for treating bacterial eye infections is erythromycin. Erythromycin ointment helps kill bacteria that are causing the infection. The most popular ointments with erythromycin are Iloticin, Romitsin and Diomycin. For erythromycin to be effective, it must be used correctly.

Steps

Part 1

Preparing to use erythromycin

    Find out about the possible side effects of the drug. Possible side effects of erythromycin ointment include burning or redness of the eyes and blurred vision. If these symptoms persist and do not improve, stop using the ointment and consult a doctor as soon as possible. Erythromycin can also cause serious allergic reactions. You should stop using the drug immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

    • Hives
    • Redness
    • Feeling of tightness in the chest
    • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
    • Dizziness or loss of consciousness
  1. Consider other diseases and health conditions. Remember that erythromycin has certain contraindications that make it not recommended to use this drug. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, have any allergies, or if you are taking any medications. Erythromycin should not be used in many cases and for many conditions, including:

    Prepare to apply the product. Remove contact lenses and remove eye makeup. It's best to do this near a mirror so you can see everything, or you can ask a friend or family member to help you.

    Take the ointment. Take a tube of ointment and place the tip of the tube as close to your lower eyelid as possible. When doing this, you should roll your eyes - this will reduce the risk of eye injury.

  2. Apply ointment. Squeeze a 1.2 cm long strip of ointment (or the amount prescribed by your doctor) into the “pocket” under the lower eyelid.

    • As you do this, continue to ensure that the tip of the tube does not touch the surface of your eye.
  3. Look down and close your eyes. Once you apply the ointment under your lower eyelid, look down and close your eyes.

    • Roll your eyeballs to distribute the ointment evenly.
    • Keep your eyes closed for one to two minutes. During this time, the medicine should have time to be absorbed.
  4. Open your eyes. Use a mirror to check that you have applied the ointment correctly. Remove any excess ointment with a clean tissue.

    • Because of the ointment, you may see everything blurry, which is why it is not recommended to wear contact lenses or drive a car after applying the ointment - your vision may temporarily deteriorate. Generally speaking, you need to avoid any activity that requires visual attention. Once your vision is restored, you can continue your normal activities.
    • Vision should be restored within a few minutes.
    • Never rub your eyes, even if everything seems blurry, as this can only worsen your vision or even injure your eye.

The substance erythromycin is an antibiotic that effectively stops the proliferation of bacteria. A medicine with this substance in the form of an ointment is used in the treatment of inflammatory processes of the skin, mucous membranes of the eyes, burns, and bedsores. Let's take a closer look at the range of its applications in medicine.

Erythromycin ointment - instructions for use

Before using the product, it is necessary to properly prepare the affected skin area. It is well cleaned and dried. After this, erythromycin ointment is applied to the sore in a small layer and gently rubbed in. Instructions for use of erythromycin ointment suggest using it twice a day. Hands should be washed after the procedure. Do not use the product longer than the recommended period in the instructions. This will not make treatment more effective, and the likelihood of side effects will increase.

Erythromycin ointment - composition

The package (10 g) contains 1 g of the active ingredient, but even this drop is enough to actively suppress the infection. Erythromycin ointment also contains lanolin and sodium pyrosulfate. But the basis of the drug is Vaseline. The product may have a light yellow or rich yellow-brown tint. Its advantage is its local effect on the sore. For this reason, the drug is relevant in the treatment of newborns.

Indications for use

The drug belongs to the group of antibiotics that act on the proteins of microorganisms. Erythromycin ointment effectively fights various infections. The following pathogens are indications for the use of erythromycin ointment:

  • whooping cough;
  • staphylococcus;
  • corynebacteria;
  • streptococcus;
  • salmonella;
  • microbacteria;
  • listeria;
  • chlamydia;
  • gonococcus;
  • gonorrheal bacilli;
  • Haemophilus influenzae.

Erythromycin eye ointment copes well with conjunctivitis and keratitis. It is possible to use eye ointment for infants. Its anti-inflammatory properties are relevant in the treatment of acne. Erythromycin kills skin pathogens. In combination with other agents, this antibacterial drug is used to treat purulent infections, wounds, and 2nd-3rd degree burns.

Contraindications

The list of side effects is short, as is the price. Sometimes the use of the drug may be accompanied by irritation, rashes on the body, the appearance of redness at the site of application, and the possibility of re-infection. Some experience dizziness. The following are contraindications to erythromycin ointment:

  • liver dysfunction;
  • hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
  • individual intolerance;
  • pregnancy and lactation period.

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment

Ophthalmology considers this drug one of the most effective. Eye ointment for children and adult patients is used for conjunctivitis, bacterial blepharitis, meibomitis. It treats stye and other bacterial diseases. According to the instructions, erythromycin eye ointment is applied to the lower eyelid. The procedure is repeated 3 times a day. In the presence of trachoma, the use is increased up to 5 times. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. When treating trachoma, erythromycin is used for the eyes for up to 3 months.

For acne

To start treatment with erythromycin against acne, all you need is patience. You can't stop until all the rashes disappear. Otherwise, the remaining living bacteria will continue to multiply. This will lead to repeated inflammatory processes. Judging by patient reviews, erythromycin in tandem with zinc ointment helps well.

The choice of external erythromycin preparations against acne is large. These can be gels, creams, lotions. Erythromycin acne ointment is applied to dry, clean skin. Before use, wash your face with warm water and moisturizing soap. The doctor decides how many times and how much of the product is applied to the skin. But very soon the patient will begin to observe a positive effect from the treatment. There may be itching where the cream is applied. Then the drug should be washed off immediately and consult a doctor.

Into the nose

In case of damage to the epidermis, this may be inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, erythromycin nasal ointment can be used. The drug is recommended to be used 2-3 times a day. The same treatment regimen is indicated against trophic ulcers. The patient's pregnancy may be a contraindication. For newborn children, the drug should be used only as prescribed by a specialist.

In gynecology

The drug is considered effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system of a thermal, chemical, mechanical or infectious nature. Erythromycin ointment is used in gynecology if the problem is caused by a harmful microorganism. It should be remembered that viruses can get used to the drug, so if there is no positive effect, it must be replaced with another one. But for the most part, the use of this product has positive reviews from patients.

Borshchagovsky, Russia
Conditions for dispensing from a pharmacy: Over the counter

Erythromycin ointment has been used in medicine for quite some time. It has established itself as an effective remedy with antibacterial effects. The ointment is used for external use for many eye diseases, some pathologies of the nose, as well as skin ailments, purulent wounds and burns. In addition, erythromycin ointment for acne is considered the most effective method, which is suitable for both adults and children. In addition to ointments, erythromycin-based tablets and gel are used to treat infectious pathologies, which also have a beneficial effect on the skin, helping to get rid of acne and pimples.

Medicinal properties

Erythromycin ointment, gel and tablets are among the antibiotic agents and are characterized by an increased antibacterial effect, which affects the process of protein synthesis of microorganisms. They act against infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, thanks to which they help fight staphylococci, streptococci, chlamydia, etc. The presence of anti-inflammatory properties in the ointment and gel makes it possible to use erythromycin in the treatment of acne and skin rashes. Tablets cope well with bacterial infections caused by the above microorganisms. When using erythromycin, the main component accumulates in the kidneys and liver and is excreted in the bile and kidneys.

Erythromycin ointment

The ointment is prescribed for the following indications:

  • Eye diseases: conjunctivitis, including in newborns, bacterial blepharitis, keratitis, stye, chlamydia, etc.
  • Purulent and trophic wounds, burns
  • Infectious skin diseases.

Average price: 40 rub.

Erythromycin for acne is prescribed as often as in gynecology. Due to its antibacterial effect in gynecology, the ointment is used externally as an additional remedy against inflammatory female diseases, such as vulvitis. Erythromycin ointment has an effective effect on inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

The active component of the ointment is erythromycin 1000 units. Excipients: anhydrous lanolin, sodium disulfide and special petroleum jelly.

The ointment has a yellowish tint and a specific odor. Produced in aluminum tubes of 3, 7, 10 or 15 grams, can also be offered in a 30 g can.

Directions for use and doses

For eye diseases, at the beginning of the treatment course, the ointment is applied to the lower part 3 times a day. Then, as inflammation decreases, they switch to a regimen of 1-2 times a day. The therapeutic course is 2 weeks. The ointment for trachoma is applied to the eyelid 5 times a day, the duration of treatment can be about 3 months.

Skin diseases and purulent wounds are treated with ointment, applying it to the affected part of the body 2 times a day in a thin layer. When treating purulent wounds, the drug draws out suppuration well and promotes their healing. Treatment lasts no more than 14 days.

For burns, the ointment is used externally, 2-3 times a week, for 1-2 months.

Erythromycin ointment for acne is applied to the affected areas 2-3 times a day, the duration of therapy depends on the condition of the skin.

For inflammation of the nasal mucosa, the ointment is applied to the nose 2-3 times a day, the duration of the course is determined by the doctor.

Erythromycin gel

Price: 35 rub.

The gel mainly finds use in treating pimples and blackheads.

The main active ingredient in the gel is erythromycin; the addition is zinc acetate.

Erythromycin-based gel comes with the addition of additional ingredients. The gel, in addition to erythromycin, contains zinc acetate, which is transparent in appearance. Sold in tubes enclosed in a cardboard box, along with attached instructions.

Directions for use and doses

The gel is mainly used against acne and blackheads, applying a thin layer to the skin 1-2 times a day. The treatment course is from 12 to 16 weeks.

Erythromycin tablets

The use of erythromycin tablets is indicated for: infections of the skin, respiratory and biliary tract, genitourinary infectious diseases.

Price: 50 rub.

The tablets contain erythromycin; povidone, crospovidone, calcium stearate, talc, and potato starch are used as additives.

The tablets are produced in a special coating, round in shape, and white in color. The pharmacy dispenses 10 and 20 tablets in blister packs placed in cardboard packages.

Directions for use and doses

For adults and children over 14 years of age, erythromycin tablets are prescribed 250 mg 4-6 times a day 1 hour before meals. For complicated pathologies, the dosage may be increased. The daily dose should not exceed 4 g. Children under 3 months are prescribed a dose of 20-40 mg/kg, from this age up to 18 years - 30-50 mg/kg. The duration depends on the course of the disease; generally, treatment lasts from 5 to 14 days.

Tablets should not be taken with milk or dairy products!

Contraindications and precautions

It is prohibited to use ointment, gel and tablets for the following indications:

  • Severe liver pathologists
  • Increased susceptibility to the leading substance
  • Serious renal dysfunction.

The ointment and gel should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and nursing mothers; tablets should not be prescribed during this period. In addition, therapy for infants is carried out strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

Before starting treatment with these medications, it is recommended to test for an allergic reaction.

If erythromycin ointment or gel is used against acne, then the use of any other product within an hour is prohibited.

When using medications, you are allowed to drive vehicles and other mechanisms that require special attention and concentration.

When using tablets for a long time, you should monitor your blood counts.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

The effects of ointment and gel during pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been fully studied, so experts recommend avoiding their use at this time. The use of tablets is also prohibited for pregnant women.

Cross-drug interactions

The medication cannot be combined with lincomycin and clindamycin.

Erythromycin ointment tends to reduce the effectiveness of penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbopenems.

Parallel external use with abrasive agents dries and irritates the skin.

Side effects

Among the adverse reactions, cases of allergies were recorded, in the form of redness and itching of the skin. With prolonged use, secondary development of infection is possible. You can learn how to cope with itching in the article: treating itching.

Overdose

Information about exceeding the dose of the drug is not known today.

Conditions and shelf life

The ointment and gel must be stored in a place protected from children for no more than 3 years.

The tablets are stored at room temperature, shelf life is 2 years.

Phloxal

Dr. Gerhard Mann. Germany
Price from 150 to 250 rubles

Floxal is an antimicrobial medication belonging to the group of fluorochlorides. Used externally in the treatment of eye diseases caused by an infectious-inflammatory process. Also, in some cases, for a runny nose, medicine is instilled into the nose. The active ingredient is ofloxacin. It is produced in the form of eye drops and ointments, but is not available in tablet form.

Pros:

  • A quick effect is achieved
  • Can be used by children
  • The eye drops do not sting.

Minuses:

  • Fairly high cost
  • Short shelf life.

Azithromycin

Vertex, Russia
Price from 40 to 190 rubles

Azithromycin is a modern antibiotic, part of the macrolites group, with a wide range of action. Used for many diseases caused by infection. Most often, Azithromycin is prescribed for infectious pathologies of the respiratory tract, skin ailments, pathologies of the genitourinary system, infections, diseases of the nose and throat. Recommended Azithromycin in the form of tablets and capsules, used for oral administration.

Pros:

  • High efficiency
  • Affordable price
  • Convenient scheme of use.

Minuses:

  • Many adverse reactions
  • Children under 12 years old are prohibited.

Download instructions for use

In this article you can read the instructions for use of the drug Erythromycin. Reviews of site visitors - consumers of this medicine, as well as the opinions of specialist doctors on the use of Erythromycin in their practice are presented. We kindly ask you to actively add your reviews about the drug: whether the medicine helped or did not help get rid of the disease, what complications and side effects were observed, perhaps not stated by the manufacturer in the annotation. Analogues of Erythromycin in the presence of existing structural analogues. Use for the treatment of sore throat, acne (pimples) in adults, children, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Erythromycin- a bacteriostatic antibiotic from the group of macrolides, reversibly binds to the 50S subunit of ribosomes in its donor part, which disrupts the formation of peptide bonds between amino acid molecules and blocks the synthesis of microbial proteins (does not affect the synthesis of nucleic acids). When used in high doses, it can exhibit a bactericidal effect.

The spectrum of action includes gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, as well as other microorganisms: Mycoplasma spp. (including Mycoplasma pneumoniae), Chlamydia spp. (including Chlamydia trachomatis), Treponema spp., Rickettsia spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Listeria monocytogenes.

Gram-negative rods are resistant: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as Shigella spp., Salmonella spp. and others. The sensitive group includes microorganisms whose growth is delayed at an antibiotic concentration of less than 0.5 mg/l, moderately sensitive - 1-6 mg/l, moderately resistant and resistant - 6-8 mg/l.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption is high. Oral enteric-coated base forms of erythromycin have no effect on food intake.

It is distributed unevenly in the body. It accumulates in large quantities in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. In bile and urine, the concentration is tens of times higher than the concentration in plasma. Penetrates well into the tissues of the lungs, lymph nodes, middle ear exudate, prostate secretions, sperm, pleural cavity, ascitic and synovial fluid. The milk of lactating women contains 50% of the plasma concentration. It penetrates poorly through the blood-brain barrier into the cerebrospinal fluid (its concentration is 10% of the drug content in plasma). During inflammatory processes in the membranes of the brain, their permeability to erythromycin increases slightly. Penetrates through the placental barrier and enters the blood of the fetus, where its content reaches 5-20% of the content in the mother's plasma.

Excretion with bile - 20-30% unchanged, by the kidneys (unchanged) after oral administration - 2-5%.

Indications

Bacterial infections caused by sensitive microflora:

  • diphtheria (including bacterial carriage);
  • whooping cough (including prevention);
  • trachoma;
  • brucellosis;
  • Legionnaires' disease (legionellosis);
  • erythrasma;
  • listeriosis;
  • scarlet fever;
  • amoebic dysentery;
  • gonorrhea;
  • conjunctivitis of newborns;
  • pneumonia in children;
  • genitourinary infections in pregnant women caused by Chlamydia trachomatis;
  • primary syphilis (in patients allergic to penicillins);
  • uncomplicated chlamydia in adults (with localization in the lower genitourinary tract and rectum) with intolerance or ineffectiveness of tetracyclines;
  • infections of the ENT organs (tonsillitis, otitis media, sinusitis);
  • biliary tract infections (cholecystitis);
  • infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract (tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia);
  • infections of the skin and soft tissues (pustular skin diseases, including juvenile acne, infected wounds, bedsores, II-III degree burns, trophic ulcers);
  • infections of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
  • prevention of exacerbations of streptococcal infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis) in patients with rheumatism;
  • prevention of infectious complications during medical and diagnostic procedures (including preoperative bowel preparation, dental interventions, endoscopy, in patients with heart defects).

Release forms

Enteric-soluble film-coated tablets 100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg.

Eye ointment.

Ointment for local and external use (sometimes mistakenly called gel).

Lyophilisate for the preparation of solution for intravenous administration (in vials for injection).

Instructions for use and dosage

Pills

A single dose for adults and adolescents over 14 years of age is 250-500 mg, daily - 1-2 g. The interval between doses is 6 hours. For severe infections, the daily dose can be increased to 4 g.

Children from 4 months to 18 years, depending on age, body weight and severity of infection - 30-50 mg/kg per day in 2-4 doses; children of the first 3 months. life - 20-40 mg/kg per day. For more severe infections, the dose may be doubled.

For the treatment of diphtheria carriage - 250 mg 2 times a day. The course dose for the treatment of primary syphilis is 30-40 g, the duration of treatment is 10-15 days.

For amoebic dysentery, adults - 250 mg 4 times a day, children - 30-50 mg/kg per day; Course duration is 10-14 days.

For legionellosis - 500 mg-1 g 4 times a day for 14 days.

For gonorrhea - 500 mg every 6 hours for 3 days, then 250 mg every 6 hours for 7 days.

For preoperative bowel preparation to prevent infectious complications - orally, 1 g 19 hours, 18 hours and 9 hours before surgery (3 g in total).

For the prevention of streptococcal infections (for tonsillitis, pharyngitis) adults - 20-50 mg/kg per day, children - 20-30 mg/kg per day, course duration - at least 10 days.

For the prevention of septic endocarditis in patients with heart defects - 1 g for adults and 20 mg/kg for children, 1 hour before a treatment or diagnostic procedure, then 500 mg for adults and 10 mg/kg for children, again in 6 hours

For whooping cough - 40-50 mg/kg per day for 5-14 days. For pneumonia in children - 50 mg/kg per day in 4 divided doses for at least 3 weeks. For genitourinary infections during pregnancy - 500 mg 4 times a day for at least 7 days or (if this dose is poorly tolerated) - 250 mg 4 times a day for at least 14 days.

In adults, with uncomplicated chlamydia and intolerance to tetracyclines - 500 mg 4 times a day for at least 7 days.

They are set individually depending on the location and severity of the infection and the sensitivity of the pathogen. In adults, a daily dose of 1-4 g is used. Children under 3 months of age - 20-40 mg/kg per day; at the age of 4 months to 18 years - 30-50 mg/kg per day. Frequency of application - 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 5-14 days, after the symptoms disappear, treatment is continued for another 2 days. Take 1 hour before meals or 2-3 hours after meals.

Apply the solution for external use to the affected areas of the skin.

The ointment is applied to the affected area, and in case of eye diseases, it is placed behind the lower eyelid. The dose, frequency and duration of use are determined individually.

Side effect

  • allergic skin reactions (urticaria, other forms of rash);
  • eosinophilia;
  • anaphylactic shock;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • gastralgia;
  • tenesmus;
  • abdominal pain;
  • diarrhea;
  • dysbacteriosis;
  • oral candidiasis;
  • pseudomembranous enterocolitis (both during and after treatment);
  • hearing loss and/or tinnitus (when using high doses - more than 4 g/day, hearing loss after discontinuation of the drug is usually reversible);
  • tachycardia;
  • prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG;
  • ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia (pirouette type) in patients with a prolonged QT interval.

Contraindications

  • hypersensitivity;
  • hearing loss;
  • simultaneous use of terfenadine or astemizole;
  • lactation period.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Due to the possibility of passage into breast milk, you should avoid breastfeeding while taking erythromycin.

special instructions

During long-term therapy, it is necessary to monitor laboratory parameters of liver function.

Symptoms of cholestatic jaundice may develop several days after the start of therapy, but the risk of development increases after 7-14 days of continuous therapy. The likelihood of developing an ototoxic effect is higher in patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency, as well as in elderly patients.

Some resistant strains of Haemophilus influenzae are sensitive to concomitant administration of erythromycin and sulfonamides.

May interfere with the determination of catecholamines in urine and the activity of hepatic transaminases in the blood (colorimetric determination using definylhydrazine).

Drug interactions

Incompatible with lincomycin, clindamycin and chloramphenicol (antagonism).

Reduces the bactericidal effect of beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbopenems).

When taken simultaneously with drugs that are metabolized in the liver (theophylline, carbamazepine, valproic acid, hexobarbital, phenytoin, alfentanil, disopyramide, lovastatin, bromocriptine), the concentration of these drugs in plasma may increase (it is an inhibitor of microsomal liver enzymes).

Increases the nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine (especially in patients with concomitant renal failure). Reduces the clearance of triazolam and midazolam, and therefore may enhance the pharmacological effects of benzodiazepines.

When taken simultaneously with terfenadine or astemizole - the possibility of developing arrhythmia, with dihydroergotamine or non-hydrogenated ergot alkaloids - vasoconstriction to spasm, dysesthesia.

Slows down the elimination (increases the effect) of methylprednisolone, felodipine and coumarin anticoagulants.

When taken together with lovastatin, rhabdomyolysis increases.

Increases the bioavailability of digoxin.

Reduces the effectiveness of hormonal contraception.

Analogues of the drug Erythromycin

Structural analogues of the active substance:

  • Grunamycin syrup;
  • Ilozon;
  • Erythromycin-AKOS;
  • Erythromycin-LecT;
  • Erythromycin-Ferein;
  • Erythromycin phosphate;
  • Erifluid;
  • Ermiced.

If there are no analogues of the drug for the active substance, you can follow the links below to the diseases for which the corresponding drug helps and look at the available analogues for the therapeutic effect.

Antibacterial agents

Erythromycin is an antibiotic of the macrolide class, first obtained in 1952. It is available in the form of ointments and tablets. It is sold without a doctor's prescription because the drug is relatively safe. For the same reason, it can even be used for infants. The cream contains the active component erythromycin, as well as auxiliary ingredients in the form of lanolin, petroleum jelly and sodium sulfate solution.

1 Properties of the drug

Ointment for external use is effective against staphylococcus, corynebacteria, streptococci, salmonella, listeria, microbacteria, chlamydia, gonococci, gonorrhea and hemophilus influenzae, brucella, legionella. In addition to the antibacterial effect, which consists in blocking the synthesis of proteins of microorganisms, it has an anti-inflammatory effect. The ointment fights infected areas of the skin from the outside, while the tablets fight from the inside. Bacteria can acquire resistance (resistance) to the active ingredient, so you should not use the drug for a long time. If there is no improvement, you need to change the product to another.

Indications for use of the drug are:

  • eye lesions of a bacterial and inflammatory nature (conjunctivitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, barley (hordeolum), keratitis, ophthalmia, chlamydia, trachoma);
  • infectious lesions of the skin (rashes, pimples, acne);
  • bedsores;
  • infectious diseases (whooping cough, salmonella food poisoning, gonococcal and chlamydial infections);
  • inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity;
  • purulent infections;
  • wounds;
  • burns of II and III degrees;
  • inflammatory diseases of a gynecological nature (vulvitis).

Hormonal ointments for the treatment of skin diseases

2 Method of administration and dosage

If the ointment is used as a treatment for infectious and inflammatory eye lesions, the product is applied to the lower eyelid. Course - 3 times a day for conjunctivitis, blepharitis, stye. For trachoma, eye ointment is applied about 5 times. For this disease, it is allowed to use the drug for up to 3 months; the duration of therapy for other diseases depends on the severity of the disease, but it should not exceed more than 14 days. According to the general rule, if there is improvement after 2 weeks, the ointment is stopped, after which, in agreement with the doctor, it is possible to undergo a course of prophylaxis after some time. In this case, the drug is used once every 2 days for 2 weeks.

If erythromycin ointment is used against acne, the product should be used 1-2 times a day, the course duration is about 12-14 days. It is important to complete the treatment. Apply the ointment to cleansed facial skin, after moisturizing it.

For purulent diseases of the epidermis and soft tissues, the affected area is treated with a thin layer. The course is 1-2 times a day after removing dead cells and pus. For burns, it is necessary to apply the ointment 2-3 times a day for 7 days. The duration of treatment may depend on the severity of the disease. It should not exceed more than 2 weeks so that bacteria do not develop resistance to the active substance.

If erythromycin ointment is applied to the nose, then in this case it is used 2-3 times a day. According to the instructions for use, the same amount is necessary for the treatment of trophic ulcers.

Some features of the drug:

  • if discomfort in the form of itching appears after applying the ointment, you should discontinue treatment with erythromycin, rinse it off with water, and consult a specialist;
  • the product must be applied in a thin layer;
  • despite the drug being sold without a prescription, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using it to determine the exact dosage and duration of therapy;
  • if the ointment does not help and the skin condition does not improve within 3-4 weeks, you need to visit a specialist (sometimes it takes 2-3 months to completely cure acne);
  • Do not use the product for too long, as superinfection may form;
  • if the ointment is used as a medicine against acne and pimples, it should not be combined with other medications for an hour (the high effectiveness of erythromycin together with zinc ointment in the treatment of rashes has been noted);
  • the drug does not affect concentration and driving.

3 Contraindications and side effects. Analogues

Contraindications to the use of the drug are individual intolerance to the components of the drug, the period of breastfeeding, severe diseases of the internal organs (liver and kidneys).

Side effects include the following:

  • itching, redness, peeling in the area where the ointment is applied;
  • rashes;
  • increased body temperature;
  • dizziness.

To use the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you need to consult a specialist. The drug is relatively safe and is used for newborns, but its full effect on the body of the mother and fetus has not been studied. During lactation, during treatment, the possibility of stopping breastfeeding and switching to artificial formula should be allowed.

The ointment is incompatible with chloramphenicol, lincomycin and clindamycin. It should not be used together with cephalosporins, carbopenems and penicillins. When used with abrasive products (scrubs, badyagi), the ointment can irritate and dry out the skin.

There are analogues of the drug:

  • erythromycin phosphate;
  • Ilozon;
  • Ermiced;
  • Grunamycin (syrup);
  • Erifluid;
  • Erythromycin-LecT.

Medicines with different compositions have similar properties:

  • Phloxal (drops and ointment);
  • Azithromycin (tablets);
  • Erythromycin-Ferein (ointment);
  • Erythromycin-AKOS (ointment);
  • Dalatsin (capsules, solution);
  • Clindatop (gel);
  • Duak (gel);
  • Zenerit (cream);
  • Nadoxin (cream);
  • Ugricil (gel).
  • Composition of erythromycin ointment
  • Erythromycin for acne - reviews on the Internet

Erythromycin ointment for external use can effectively fight various infections that appear not only on the skin, but also in the corners of the eyes. In order to understand how to use it correctly and what erythromycin ointment helps with, you need to know exactly the composition, instructions for use and side effects. Let's look at each of these questions.

Composition of erythromycin ointment

As may be clear from the name itself, the main component in the composition is the element erythromycin. In itself, it is an antibiotic that allows you to effectively treat the emerging disease.

Erythromycin skin ointment only partially consists of this active substance.

1 gram of the drug you purchased contains 10,000 units of erythromycin. The remaining portion of the product is filled with an anhydrous lanolin composition; 40% of the composition contains petroleum jelly and a solution of sodium sulfate salts. In terms of color, eye ointment for acne will be light yellow in color, and for skin it will have a brownish-yellow color.

Erythromycin ointment, the image of which is presented above, belongs to the bacteriostatic type of antibiotics. Moreover, doctors classify it as a macrolide. The action of the drug occurs in 2 stages:

  • when entering the human body, the main active element reacts with peptide bonds between complexes of amino acid molecules;
  • after 2-3 hours the body stops producing proteins in microorganisms;
  • at the last stage, the infection begins to disappear due to the bactericidal effect of the drug.

At the same time, erythromycin eye ointment for acne allows you to get rid of:

  • staphylococci,
  • streptococci,
  • brucella,
  • hemophilus influenzae,
  • legionella and other infectious types of bacteria.

Attention! With an increase in the daily dose of the drug, side effects may occur in the form of itching and redness of the skin.

Contraindications when using the drug

The main contraindications are related to the patient's individual intolerance or high sensitivity to specific substances in the drug. These include:

  1. Presence of itching at the places where the cream was applied.
  2. Appearance of redness.
  3. Rashes on the body.
  4. The temperature is rising.
  5. Slight dizziness.

In addition, this drug is not prescribed to people who have liver disease, as well as for treatment during periods of breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Does erythromycin ointment help with acne?

Erythromycin can be produced for the treatment of infections not only in the form of an ointment, but also in gel and tablets. In any composition, these antibiotic agents will have an increased antibacterial effect, allowing them to directly influence the process of protein synthesis in infectious sites. What is the best treatment for erythromycin ointment?

Due to the anti-inflammatory effect of drugs, erythromycin is most often prescribed by doctors to treat skin rashes and acne. At the same time, what erythromycin tablets help best with is bacterial infections inside the body. Gel and ointment fight infected areas of the skin from the outside. Let's look at what erythromycin ointment and tablets are used for in each specific case.

What is erythromycin ointment used for?

Gel solutions are prescribed mainly for the following indications:

  • The occurrence of eye diseases, which include conjunctivitis (used even when the disease is detected in newborns), bacterial blepharitis, the appearance of keratitis and barley.
  • The patient has purulent and trophic wounds and a large number of burns throughout the body.
  • The presence of an infectious skin disease.
  • The appearance of acne all over the face or a separate area of ​​the body.

Erythromycin also helps with diseases in the field of gynecology as one of the additional means against the development of inflammatory female disease. An example is vulvitis.

The main active ingredient in the drug is erythromycin with an identifier of 1000 units. It is this that gives the product its yellow color and specific smell. It is supplied in special tubes made of aluminum material. The pharmacy sells tubes weighing between 3-15 grams.

Erythromycin ointment - instructions for use, price and doses

  • If an eye disease occurs, treatment takes place in 3 stages:
  • The beginning of the treatment course will be marked by applying the drug to the lower part of the eyelid for a week 3 times a day.
  • After 2 weeks, provided that inflammation in the eye decreases, you can switch to a regimen using 1-2 times a day.
  • When curing the disease, it is necessary to undergo a therapeutic course of treatment - the drug must be applied once every 2 days for 2 weeks.
  • If you are using erythromycin to fight purulent wounds or any other skin diseases, then the drug should be applied to the affected areas of the body for 14 days, 2 times in a net. The most important thing is to apply the product in a thin layer so that it draws out suppuration and does not create an environment for bacteria to multiply.
  • Erythromycin ointment for acne is applied 2-3 times a day. To get a quick effect, apply the drug to the affected area and do not touch for 20-25 minutes. The total duration of therapy will depend on the current condition of your skin.

Erythromycin ointment for acne in gel form - how to use and how much to apply

The gel is most often used to treat a patient with a large number of pimples or blackheads. As in the ointment, the main effect of the ingredients is associated with the presence of erythromycin in the composition, but a solution of zinc acetate acts as a cleansing element here in addition.

The gel is sold at the pharmacy in small tubes of 20-30 ml, which are placed in a white box made of paper cardboard, along with the attached instructions.

How to use the gel and in what doses?

Erythromycin gel must be placed on the skin carefully and always very thinly. The procedure should be repeated 1-2 times a day, while the course of treatment is reduced to 12-15 weeks.

Important! Erythromycin for acne can be used in both gel and ointment form. However, the first option is much better, since it contains substances that cleanse the skin. The second option is more suitable for treating burns and eye diseases.

Erythromycin tablets for acne - how are they produced and in what doses should they be used?

Erythromycin tablets should be used not only when acne appears, but also when a respiratory tract infection occurs, as well as a genitourinary infection.

The main chemically active element is erythromycin, here it is combined with the elements of povidone and crospovidone. Additionally, to impart disinfectant properties to the drug, calcium stearate and a solution of talc with potato starch are used.

The tablets are made in round form with a special white shell. A pharmacy can give you sets of 10-20 tablets in a special cell package without a doctor’s prescription.

Instructions for using tablets for acne

The dosage of the drug depends on the age of the patient and the complexity of the disease itself.

  • At the mild stage of acne, adults and children over 14 years of age can take 2 tablets of 125 mg 3-5 times a day.
  • If a complicated pathology occurs, the dosage is increased, but you should not take more than 4 g of tablets per day.
  • If you are struggling with inflammation in children under 3 months, then doctors here advise drinking a quarter of a tablet 2 times a day.

Important! You should take the tablets exactly one hour before your intended meal.

The length of time you take the medications will depend on the further course of your illness. On average, treatment with erythromycin anti-acne tablets lasts 5 days to 2 weeks.

Attention! The most important thing is not to take the tablets with milk or any other dairy product!

Do not forget that before purchasing ointments or tablets, you must visit a specialist who:

  • Compares all possible side effects and risks,
  • Select a specific type of drug,
  • Determines the duration and correctness of the course of treatment,
  • Choose a dosage appropriate to your age and severity of the disease.

Remember that any self-medication is dangerous and will have a bad effect on your health! Be sure to consult with your doctor!

Erythromycin ointment is an inexpensive drug for external treatment of skin and eye infections. According to the instructions, it is used as an eye ointment and an ointment for acne; it is prescribed for the eyes and skin instead of penicillin if a person is allergic to antibiotics of the penicillin group. Erythromycin is a substitute for the penicillin component, which has a milder effect and is approved for use in children from the first days of life.

Composition of the ointment

Erythromycin ointment contains the antibiotic erythromycin. Its concentration is 1%. It has an effect similar to penicillin. Is a macrolide - that is belongs to the safest group of antibacterial drugs, has minimal toxicity. Erythromycin is less likely to cause adverse allergic reactions and is better tolerated by patients of all ages than penicillin. Therefore, ointment with erythromycin is prescribed even to newborn children.

Erythromycin has a bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect (bacteriostatic - stops the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, bactericidal - causes their complete death). It stops protein synthesis in the cell that causes the infection and thereby inhibits the further growth of pathogens. Basically, erythromycin is used against gram-positive bacteria ( staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, corynebacteria, trachoma- this pathogen causes infectious inflammation of the eyes, which can lead to blindness). As well as some gram-negative microorganisms - gonococci, meningococci, legionella, respiratory mycoplasma, ureplasma, chlamydia, treponema (the causative agent of syphilis), as well as dysentery and whooping cough bacillus. Erythromycin has no effect against sexual mycoplasmosis and is weakly effective against Haemophilus influenzae infection.

Erythromycin has good penetrating ability (in muscles its concentration reaches the same value as in blood).

Erythromycin skin and eye ointment

Erythromycin ointment is produced by many pharmaceutical companies. It has two external forms - ointment for the skin and ointment for the eyes. Both forms contain the same concentration of active ingredient(in 1 g ointment - 10,000 units antibiotic). They differ in the basis- the ointment contains petroleum jelly, and the eye gel contains lanolin and sodium disulfite. Therefore, the eye ointment has a light yellow tint, and the skin ointment has a brown-yellow color.

Skin ointment- used to treat various inflammations of the skin and subcutaneous soft tissues. Ophthalmic- for inflammation of eye tissues. For a more detailed description of the list of inflammations for which skin and eye ointments are used, look at the instructions for these two drugs.

Eye ointment with erythromycin is used for infectious eye diseases. It is important to know which infectious agent caused the inflammation. Ointment with erythromycin is effective against those pathogens that are sensitive to this antibiotic.

The composition of the ointment is used for:

  • Conjunctivitis(inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelids).
Note: erythromycin ointment for conjunctivitis can be used even in newborns.
  • Blepharitis(inflammation of the edge of the lower or upper eyelid).
  • Keratitis(inflammation of the transparent surface membrane of the eyeball). If left untreated, keratitis leads to decreased vision and clouding of the cornea (the so-called cataract).
  • In the treatment of trachoma(purulent inflammation of the lower or upper part of the cornea, located under the lower or upper eyelid, often caused by chlamydia). Trachoma also causes corneal clouding and blindness. During the treatment of trachoma, it is necessary to open the resulting purulent follicles.
  • When treating barley(purulent inflammation of the ciliary bulb).

When treating eye inflammation, the ointment is placed behind the lower or upper eyelid. The number of deposits per day is determined by the extent of the infection. For conjunctivitis, the ointment is applied 2 or 3 times during the day, for trachoma - 4 or 5 times.

Note: erythromycin eye ointment is used for three months in the treatment of trachoma, and for 2 to 3 weeks in the treatment of conjunctivitis.

Skin ointment

Instructions for use of erythromycin ointment regulate its use for various infections of the skin and soft tissues. For pustules and acne, for the treatment of infected bedsores, burns and frostbite, for any damage to the skin with subsequent infection. For effective treatment it is important to understand that erythromycin is used when the wound is inflamed and has suppuration.

If the wound is not infected, if there is no pus, then there is no need to use an antibiotic. To speed up healing, you can use a regenerating composition (panthenol spray, solcoseryl gel, sea buckthorn oil). And to prevent infection, treat the wound with antiseptic solutions (peroxide, brilliant green, Castellani paint, iodine).

External erythromycin ointment is applied to inflamed areas of the skin 2-3 times a day for one to two months.

It's important to know that long-term use of erythromycin ointment(like any other composition with an antibiotic) leads to addiction. Pathogenic bacteria adapt to the action of erythromycin and continue to multiply in its presence.

Vivid examples of the development of resistance (stability) are the following facts. According to Japanese statistics, 60% of pneumococcal strains are resistant to erythromycin. In Finland, resistance to this antibiotic was detected in 45% of streptococcal strains. The tendency to increase the resistance of pathogenic microorganisms increases after the active administration of erythromycin to children.

Erythromycin in cosmetology: acne treatment

The use of erythromycin ointment for acne is due to its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect. This remedy helps with stable use (leads to the death of all pathogenic bacteria). Therefore, you should not hope for a quick effect; you need to smear pimples and acne with ointment for one to two months.

In addition to acne, ointment with an antibacterial composition can be used for other skin inflammations with ulcers and boils. Ointment is not used in the treatment of non-infectious inflammations (diaper rash, dermatitis), as well as for the treatment of skin rashes of viral origin (chickenpox, herpetic, rubella). Erythromycin ointment for dermatitis can be used if a bacterial infection is added to the skin inflammation. The situation is similar with the treatment of burns and frostbite. They should be treated with erythromycin ointment if an infection occurs or pus appears. In other cases, when there is no infection, you should not use "weapons of mass destruction"- ointment with an antibacterial composition (erythromycin).

Erythromycin and adenoids

Erythromycin ointment in the nose is prescribed for the treatment of adenoids in the initial stage. It is effective when enlarged adenoids are accompanied by inflammation of the sinus mucosa (runny nose). In this case, the antibiotic acts on the source of the infection and treats the inflammation.

If the cause of the enlargement of the adenoids is the proliferation of lymphoid tissue without the presence of an infectious agent, then the use of antibacterial ointment will be ineffective.

Erythromycin ointment in gynecology

The use of erythromycin in gynecology is indicated for the treatment of inflammation of the female genital organs. Moreover, the erythromycin composition is effective if the pathogen is of a bacterial nature and is sensitive to the action of the antibiotic.

More often erythromycin is used to treat vulvitis and vaginitis(inflammation of the external genitalia and vagina). The ointment is applied to a cotton swab and bandage and inserted into the vagina at night. Treatment time is 14 days with a break of 7 days and a second course of treatment (14 days, if necessary).

Note: treatment with erythromycin, like other antibiotics, can lead to candidiasis (thrush). To prevent candidiasis, it is necessary to restore the bacterial flora of the vagina.

Using ointment during pregnancy

Erythromycin ointment during pregnancy is used only as prescribed by a doctor.. It is important to understand that this antibiotic crosses the placenta and enters breast milk. Therefore, the prescription and use of this drug must be competent.

This remedy should not be used in the first half of pregnancy.(local application of a bacteriostatic substance can carry it into the general bloodstream and through the placenta). Due to the fact that there are no systemic studies and sufficient data on the effect of erythromycin on the fetus, the drug is used with great caution. Even in the second half of pregnancy, erythromycin ointment is prescribed only in cases of urgent need, when it is impossible to do without this remedy.

Note: in medical terminology the phrase is often used that a drug can be used if the risk from the consequences of infection is higher than the risk from complications of treatment with this drug.” This phrase applies to any bacterial preparations, including erythromycin ointment. Erythromycin ointment is an antibiotic, and its use should be balanced, competent and meaningful.

Erythromycin ointment for children is approved for treatment from the first days of life(if there are indications and necessity). Erythromycin ointment is prescribed for infants to treat skin and eye inflammation. It is used in the treatment of birth infections when the baby is infected while passing through the birth canal. Often, an infection of the birth canal spreads to the skin of the face and mucous membranes of the eyes. (causes conjunctivitis). For its treatment, erythromycin ointment is prescribed.

Note: external treatment with erythromycin for newborns is prescribed if there is no severe jaundice.

Analogues

Erythromycin ointment has no direct analogues in the form of erythromycin ointment. There are similar drugs in the form of solutions for injection (this is eriderm, erythromycin phosphate). And there are ointment external preparations with a similar effect and a different active ingredient. An example of such a drug is tetracycline ointment. Which is better - tetracycline or erythromycin ointment?

  • Tetracycline ointment contains an antibiotic of a different group. It has more side effects and therefore is not prescribed to newborns and infants. Tetracycline ointment is generally not prescribed to children under 11 years of age..
  • Tetracycline is a stronger antibiotic. In addition, the content of tetracycline in the ointment is 3%, and erythromycin - 1%. This also affects the effectiveness of treatment of the infection and the number of allergic reactions.
  • Tetracycline side effects are stronger and more frequent(redness, itching, burning and other allergic reaction to the antibiotic). Therefore, the use of tetracycline ointment should be justified by the extent of the infection and the complexity of treating the inflammation.

And one more thing: the price of tetracycline ointment is higher than the composition with erythromycin.

  • Tetracycline is not suitable for use in children. This is a drug for adults.
  • Tetracycline is used to treat widespread, severe skin or eye inflammation.


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