Erythromycin Ophthalmic

Erythromycin Ophthalmic is a prescription medication used to treat Conjunctivitis. 

• Erythromycin Ophthalmic is available under the following different brand names: Ilotycin

Adult and pediatric dosage

Ophthalmic Ointment

• 0.5%

Conjunctivitis

Adult dosage

• Apply ½ inch (1.25 cm) every 4-12 hours, depending on severity of infection

Pediatric dosage

• Apply ½ inch (1.25 cm) every 4-12 hours, depending on severity of infection

Gonococcal Ophthalmia Neonatorum

Pediatric dosage

Prophylaxis

• Apply from unit dose (1 cm) to eyes after birth in newborns 

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See "Dosages."

Common side effects of Erythromycin Ophthalmic include:

• eye redness, and 
• mild eye irritation

Serious side effects of Erythromycin Ophthalmic include:

• hives, 
• difficulty breathing, 
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, 
• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using the medicine, 
• pain, or swelling of the eye, 
• severe discomfort in the eye, 
• crusting or drainage from the eye, and
• increased sensitivity to light

Rare side effects of Erythromycin Ophthalmic include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Erythromycin Ophthalmic has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Erythromycin Ophthalmic has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Erythromycin Ophthalmic has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Erythromycin Ophthalmic has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Minor ocular irritation; hypersensitivity 

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Erythromycin Ophthalmic?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Erythromycin Ophthalmic?”

Cautions

• May results in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi
• Do not let tip of applicator touch eye; avoid contamination

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use may be acceptable in pregnancy.  
• Lactation: use with caution.