ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic Ointment USP: Including Patient Medication Information
ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic Ointment USP: Including Patient Medication Information
ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic Ointment USP: Including Patient Medication Information
Pr
ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP
5mg / g
ANTIBIOTIC
THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION
Antibiotic
INDICATIONS
For the treatment of superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused
by organisms susceptible to erythromycin.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Serious allergic reactions to erythromycin have been extremely infrequent. Mild allergic
reactions, such as urticaria and morbilliform skin rashes have occurred. Should a patient
demonstrate signs of hypersensitivity, administer appropriate countermeasures such as
epinephrine, corticosteroid and antihistamines, and withdraw the antibiotic.
AVAILABILITY
Each 1 g of sterile ophthalmic ointment contains: Erythromycin (base) 5 mg in a Mineral Oil and
Petrolatum. Tubes of 3.5 g and unit dose tubes of 1 g in boxes of 50.
STORAGE CONDITIONS
Store at room temperature (15-30oC). Protect from freezing. Keep tightly closed.
Read this carefully before you start taking ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP and
each time you get a refill. This leaflet is a summary and will not tell you everything about this
drug. Talk to your healthcare professional about your medical condition and treatment and ask
if there is any new information about ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP.
• 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.