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Overview: Erythromycin ophthalmic is an eye ointment used to treat and prevent eye infections caused by certain bacteria. It is an antibiotic that stops certain bacteria from growing. Common side effects include eye irritation or redness. Serious side effects are rare but may include severe allergic reactions and infections with other germs. Contact your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve with use.

Uses

What is erythromycin ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Erythromycin ophthalmic is commonly used to treat eye infections affecting the surface of the eye (cornea and/or conjunctiva) caused by certain bacteria. 

Erythromycin ophthalmic is also commonly used in newborns to prevent certain eye infections that can happen during birth.

Erythromycin ophthalmic may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Some bacteria may have developed resistance to erythromycin ophthalmic, which will make it less effective.

Erythromycin ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Other forms of erythromycin are available for use by mouth or injection. See Erythromycin for more information. 

Other forms of erythromycin are available for use on the skin. See Erythromycin topical for more information.

How does erythromycin ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Erythromycin ophthalmic works by stopping certain bacteria from making proteins they need to grow. 

How is erythromycin ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ilotycin Ophthalmic
  • Romycin Ophthalmic

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5% ophthalmic ointment

How should I store erythromycin ophthalmic?

Erythromycin ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze. Avoid storing it in places where it could get very warm, such as in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of erythromycin ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of erythromycin ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye irritation or redness
  • Allergic reactions (see below)

There may be other side effects of erythromycin ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of erythromycin ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of erythromycin ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Erythromycin ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using erythromycin ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Another Infection. Using erythromycin ophthalmic may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve or if the following symptoms of an eye infection come back or get worse.

  • Pink or itchy eye
  • Blurry vision
  • Eye discharge or crusting
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Fever

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use erythromycin ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use erythromycin ophthalmic.

  • Erythromycin
  • Ilotycin Ophthalmic 
  • Romycin Ophthalmic 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific erythromycin ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about erythromycin ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use erythromycin ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share erythromycin ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep erythromycin ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Follow the instructions that come with your prescription, so you know how to use your erythromycin product properly. Be careful not to let the tip of the tube touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before and after use. Tell your healthcare provider if your eye infection gets worse, does not improve, or if you have new eye problems, eye pain, or vision changes.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using erythromycin ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if erythromycin ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how erythromycin ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if erythromycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use erythromycin ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does erythromycin ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between erythromycin ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect erythromycin ophthalmic, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does erythromycin ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between erythromycin ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much erythromycin ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much erythromycin ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of erythromycin ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of erythromycin ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to erythromycin ophthalmic or other similar medicines.