How Do Ophthalmic Macrolides Work?

Ophthalmic macrolides are a class of antibiotic medications used to treat bacterial infections in the eyes. Ophthalmic macrolides stop protein synthesis in the bacterial cells and prevent their growth. Ophthalmic macrolides are broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Ophthalmic macrolides are effective against most common gram-positive bacteria, and a few gram-negative bacteria. Bacteria are broadly classified as gram-positive or gram-negative, based on whether they get stained by a dye used in a laboratory test known as the Gram stain test.

Ophthalmic macrolides are active against most gram-positive bacteria such as:

• Haemophilus influenzae
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus mitis
• Streptococcus pneumoniae

Ophthalmic macrolides are also effective against gram-negative bacteria such as:

• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Ophthalmic macrolides are solutions or ointments topically applied to the eyes. Ophthalmic macrolides are effective alternative drugs for people with penicillin allergy. They are used to treat the following eye conditions:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane over the whites of the eye and inner surface of the eyelids, caused by bacterial infection
• Trachoma: A contagious infection in the eyelid’s inner surface, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis

Side effects of ophthalmic macrolides may include:

Ocular side effects:

• Irritation
• Redness
• Dry eye
• Discharge
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Corneal erosion
• Punctate keratitis (inflammation of the cornea in a pinpoint pattern)

Systemic side effects:

• Anaphylaxis
• Contact dermatitis
• Rash
• Hives (urticaria)
• Taste distortion (dysgeusia)
• Nasal congestion
• Sinusitis

Generic and brand names of some ophthalmic macrolide drugs include:

• Azithromycin (AzaSite)
• Erythromycin