Description: Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment belongs to the macrolide group of antibiotics. The sterile ophthalmic ointment flows freely over the conjunctiva. Erythromycin base, as crystals or powder, is slightly soluble in water, moderately soluble in ether, and readily soluble in alcohol or chloroform. Erythromycin is an antibiotic produced from a strain of Streptomyces erythraeus. It is basic and readily forms a salt when combined with an acid. Chemical Name: (3R•, 4S,5S,6R,7R,9R,11R,12R,13S,14R)-4-[(2,6-Dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-0-methyl-α-L-ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-14-ethyl-7,12,13-trihydroxy-3,5,7,9,11,13-hexamethyl-6-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]oxacyclotetradecane-2, 10-dione.

Pharmacological effects: Erythromycin inhibits protein synthesis without affecting nucleic acid synthesis. Erythromycin is usually active against the following organisms in vitro and in clinical infections: Streptococcus pyogenes (group A β-hemolytic), Alpha-hemolytic streptococci (viridans group); Staphylococcus aureus, including penicillinase-producing strains (methicillin-resistant staphylococci are uniformly resistant to erythromycin); Streptococcus pneumoniae; Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Eaton Agent, PPLO); Haemophilus influenzae (not all strains of this organism are susceptible at the erythromycin concentrations ordinarily achieved); Treponema pallidum; Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Chlamydia trachomatis.

Indications: For the treatment of superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by organisms susceptible to erythromycin. For prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum due to N. gonorrhoeae or C. Trachomatis. The effectiveness of erythromycin in the prevention of ophthalmia caused by penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae is not established.

Precautions: The use of antimicrobial agents may be associated with the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms including fungi; in such a case, antibiotic administration should be stopped and appropriate measures taken.Avoid contaminating the tip of container with material from the eye, fingers or other source.Caution should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing woman.

Adverse reaction: The most frequently reported adverse reactions are minor ocular irritations, redness and hypersensitivity reactions.