Erythromycin eye ointment instructions. Using erythromycin ointment to treat the eyes. Use in children

Erythromycin ointment - inexpensive and effective remedy for acne, known to many. But its scope of application is not limited to dermatology - the ointment is popular in ophthalmology and a number of other areas of medicine.

Erythromycin ointment - description and action

Erythromycin in ointment form is an external agent with an antibacterial effect. The main active substance is an antibiotic macrolide with a wide spectrum of activity - erythromycin(there are 10,000 units of it in the product). The drug also contains a number of auxiliary components:

  • sodium disulfate;
  • petrolatum;
  • sodium pyrosulfite;
  • lanolin anhydrous.

The product is available in tubes of 5 g ( eye ointment) and 10.15 g, which are packed in cardboard boxes. It is produced by different pharmaceutical companies- “Biosynthesis”, “Synthesis”, “Tatkhimpharmpreparaty”, average the price of the largest package is 150 rubles.

The drug is non-toxic and can be used on any part of the body or face. It is tolerated by patients better than drugs based on penicillin antibiotics. Erythromycin has an antimicrobial effect - it binds to the ribosomal components of bacteria, destroys the molecular bonds of amino acids, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of microbial proteins. Erythromycin helps against diseases caused by microbes sensitive to it:

  • Neisseria;
  • chlamydia;
  • staphylococcus;
  • streptococcus;
  • influenza;
  • bordetella;
  • Brucella;
  • corynebacterium;
  • clostridia.

A number of gram-negative bacilli do not respond to treatment due to resistance to the active substance (Escherichia coli, Shigella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Indications for use

For eye treatment, the product is widely used even in children. It helps against a number of eye infections:

  • bacterial conjunctivitis;
  • inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes in newborns;
  • bacterial blepharitis;
  • microbial blepharoconjunctivitis;
  • meibomite, barley.

Also in ophthalmology, the ointment is indicated in complex therapy chlamydial conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis. In case of trachoma, in parallel, frequent eye rinsing with antiseptics should be done. As a prophylactic agent, Erythromycin is used to prevent neonatal blenorrhea.

If used for too long, all bacteria become resistant to erythromycin - this is the drawback of the medicine.

Erythromycin can be used on the skin against various pathologies caused by microbes. The ointment is indicated for 2-3 degree burns, including before they become infected (to prevent the development of a secondary infection). The product is used to treat infected wounds, abrasions, and poorly healing cuts.

Also indicated for use are:


Instructions for use

The ointment is for external use only. Before application, thoroughly wash the affected area of ​​skin and allow it to dry. Usually the drug is gently rubbed into the skin and mucous membranes 2-3 times a day. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the infectious process, most often it is 1-3 weeks. Under the supervision of a doctor, the ointment can be used for a longer course - up to 6-8 weeks.

This course can lead to the development of a secondary fungal infection due to the destruction of all bacterial flora, including non-pathogenic ones.

Therapy individual species the disease is produced as follows:

  1. Conjunctivitis, blepharitis. Three times a day you should apply the product (about 0.2 g per procedure) behind the lower eyelid. To do this, you need to wash your hands thoroughly, squeeze the ointment onto your finger, and apply it to the sore area.
  2. Trachoma. Erythromycin should be used in the same way, but 5 times a day.
  3. Purulent wounds. Cleanse the skin of purulent-necrotic masses (in some cases, surgical treatment may be required). Apply the medicine and cover the wound with a sterile gauze bandage.
  4. Burns. Apply the product 3-4 times a week until recovery.

For acne, Erythromycin is applied to the skin pointwise twice a day; if the frequency of rashes is high, the ointment can be rubbed in indiscriminately. First, the skin should be cleansed of makeup, grease, and dirt.

Contraindications, side effects

Using ointment during pregnancy can be dangerous. Even those small concentrations of the drug that enter the bloodstream when rubbed locally can penetrate the placental barrier. Therefore, in the first trimester, Erythromycin ointment is contraindicated, in the 2-3 trimesters.

During lactation, long-term use of the drug requires discontinuation breastfeeding, since erythromycin passes into breast milk.

Severe stages of kidney and liver dysfunction (decompensated forms) are also contraindications to treatment. Other prohibitions are:


The most common side effects are redness, rashes on the body, hyperthermia, itching, and allergic reactions. In rare cases possible side effects systemic - headaches, dizziness, swelling, rash all over the body. Such situations require urgent discontinuation of the drug.

Analogues and other information

Analogs include a number of other antibacterial and antiseptics in the form of ointments, which are sold in pharmacies.

With the development of inflammatory eye diseases, especially if they are of bacterial origin, doctors often prescribe Erythromycin ointment. It's effective medicine, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The peculiarity of the drug lies in its positive effect on the organs of vision and unpretentiousness. How is Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment used, what are its indications, contraindications, analogues and possible complications– all this will be discussed in this article.

general information

In ophthalmology, Erythromycin ointment has been used for a long time and has gained popularity due to its relatively low cost and high effectiveness in treatment. inflammatory processes.

Chemical composition

The active component of the ointment is erythromycin - medicinal substance, which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic effects. 1 g of the drug contains 100 mg of erythromycin. But in addition to the main component, the drug contains sodium disulfite, lanolin and petroleum jelly (it forms the basis of the ointment). The drug is dark yellow.

Release form

The drug is available in the form of an eye ointment, packaged in special aluminum tubes. Erythromycin ointment can be purchased in different volumes - from 3 to 15 mg, which is very convenient, because the patient can choose the most suitable container for himself.

Medicinal properties

The activity of pathogens is significantly reduced under the influence of Erythromycin ointment. All substances included in its composition have a negative effect on life cycle pathogenic microorganisms, thereby disrupting their reproduction cycle.

With regular use of the ointment, itching and lacrimation are eliminated, and the sclera of the eyes regains their natural appearance.

Important! After just a few procedures using the drug, you can notice positive changes. But even if the therapeutic effect has manifested itself, this does not mean that the continuation of the therapeutic course should be abandoned.

The development of any bacterial disease is accompanied by active action pathogenic microorganism even after complete elimination of symptoms. To completely eliminate it, it takes some time and a long course of antibiotics. Therefore, if the doctor has prescribed the use of eye ointment, then this course must be completed.

Indications for use

Since the drug has an antibacterial effect, it is often prescribed to combat various infections.

The main indications include infection with the following pathogens:

  • Pfeiffer wand;
  • gonococcal infection (gonorrhea);
  • chlamydia;
  • listeria (Listeria monocytogenes);
  • mycobacteria;
  • salmonella (gram-negative, non-spore-bearing bacteria);
  • streptococcus;
  • corynebacterium (lat. Corynebacterium);
  • staphylococcus;
  • whooping cough (an infectious disease that affects the respiratory system).

Eye ointment is successfully used for diseases such as keratitis or. It is often prescribed to children infancy. Erythromycin ointment has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be used to treat cosmetic defects, such as acne. But if we talk about serious infectious or purulent processes, then this remedy is used in combination with others no less effective drugs. This combination allows you to speed up the healing process and prevent possible relapses of the disease.

Contraindications

Despite a large number of positive qualities, eye ointment has several contraindications that must be taken into account when drawing up a therapeutic course. Among these contraindications it is worth highlighting:

  • the course of pregnancy or breastfeeding;
  • hypersensitivity to individual components of the ointment;
  • individual intolerance;
  • liver failure.

The list of contraindications for Erythromycin ointment is small, which made it the most popular remedy among all possible analogues.

How to use

The active components of the drug penetrate deep into the cornea and tear fluid, but they do not enter the circulatory system. This feature allows you to completely eliminate the negative impact of some chemical compounds on individual organs and the entire organism as a whole. Tolerability of Erythromycin ointment is much better than others antimicrobials (for example, based on penicillin), therefore it is often used in ophthalmological practice for intolerance to penicillins.

The drug has only one, but very significant drawback - the rapid adaptation of pathogenic organisms to the active components. To prevent the development of immunity, the patient must strictly follow the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor. In each individual case, it is compiled individually.

Instructions for using eye ointment are as follows:

  • the surface of the conjunctiva is carefully cleaned of accumulated purulent secretion. To do this, you need to use herbal decoctions or antiseptics;
  • A small amount of ointment is applied to each eyelid (approximately 0.2-0.3 g);
  • To quickly and evenly distribute the medicine over the surface of the eye, you need to blink frequently for several seconds.
  • the bottle with the drug is closed and placed in a place protected from direct sun rays place. It is recommended to use the ointment twice a day.

On a note! If necessary, the number of ointment procedures is increased to 4 per day. As a rule, this is necessary in the development of serious ophthalmological diseases, for example, trachoma. In this case, the duration of the therapeutic course is 14 days, but if the patient has a severe eye infection, the course can last up to 3-4 months.

Combination with other drugs

Erythromycin ointment has been successfully used in the composition complex treatment, in combination with other medications of different groups. But the main factor that you should pay attention to during treatment is that the eye ointment interacts with the drugs used, thereby exerting an influence.

Let's consider examples of the interaction of ointment with other medications:

  • regulators of tubular secretion– when combined with Erythromycin ointment, they slow down the process of cleansing the patient’s body of some components of the ointment;
  • preparations containing abrasives– can cause irritation and dryness of the skin around the eyes;
  • contraception– significantly reduce the effectiveness of Erythromycin ointment;
  • beta-lactam antibiotics (-lactams)– reduce the level of bactericidal effect of the main drug (the most common are Chloramphinicol and Clindamycin;

  • a group of drugs containing caffeine(“Theophylline”, “Aminophylline” and others) – negatively affect the condition of the patient’s body, increasing the level of toxic effects.

The combination of Erythromycin ointment with other drugs may manifest itself in different ways. First of all, it depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and his general condition.

Review of analogues

If the use of eye ointment for a long time does not give the desired result, then the doctor can make adjustments to the course of therapy and prescribe analogue drugs; the most common of them are given below.

Table. List of substitutes for Erythromycin ointment.

What is the name ofAction

Effective antiviral agent, used in the treatment of diseases of bacterial origin. Maxitrol actively fights common symptoms of eye diseases (irritation, increased tearing and itching). The drug is also prescribed for fungal diseases.

An excellent medication that contains hydrocortisone, a substance produced synthetically. The drug has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties, thanks to which Hydrocortisone ointment is successfully used in ophthalmic practice in the treatment of various diseases.

Antibacterial drug, which has a bacteriostatic effect on the body. The active components of this ointment negatively affect many pathogenic microorganisms, including streptococci. It is often prescribed as part of complex therapy.

Common antibacterial agent, the active component of which is ofloxacin. The drug is often prescribed for mechanical eye damage caused by trauma, blepharitis and barley. Floxal is especially active against chlamydia.

Another drug that acts as an analogue of Erythromycin ointment. Has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. Tobradex contains tobramycin and dexamethasone - active components that suppress the activity of many pathogenic microorganisms.

Important! The average cost of Erythromycin ointment in pharmacies varies from 28 to 35 rubles. But in some large cities the price may be slightly higher than average.

Possible complications

Long-term use of eye ointment or the presence of contraindications can provoke the development of complications. As a rule, they are minor (redness of the conjunctiva, decreased visual acuity, hyperemia, etc.). but in most cases, Erythromycin ointment is well tolerated by patients.

At hypersensitivity may develop to the drug allergic reaction. This is an undesirable consequence of using the drug, but over time, the signs of allergy go away on their own. The development of a secondary infection is possible with prolonged use of the ointment. As a rule, such an infection is caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are not affected by erythromycin. There are no confirmed data on cases of drug overdose.

Precautionary measures

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are among the contraindications to the use of Erythromycin ointment, therefore, when carrying a child, using this eye ointment on your own, like other potent drugs, is strictly not recommended. In rare cases, doctors prescribe an ointment, for example, if weaker analogues are ineffective or if the possible risks are significantly inferior to the expected effects.

When treating children with Erythromycin ointment, experts recommend not immediately washing the medicine off the child’s eyes. This is done for preventive purposes to prevent the development of ophthalmia. But in order for the treatment to bring the expected benefit and not harm, all actions must be coordinated with the attending physician.

Video - How to properly apply ointment to the eye

The product contains an active substance erythromycin , as well as additional ingredients: sodium disulfite, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, anhydrous lanolin, petroleum jelly.

Release form

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment can have a shade from light yellow to brown-yellow and is contained in 10 g tubes.

pharmachologic effect

Shown local application Drugs for infectious and inflammatory eye diseases.

Erythromycin ointment is also prescribed for the treatment of trachoma, inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane of the eyes, for the treatment of pustular diseases of the skin, bedsores of infected wounds, burns, trophic ulcers.

Contraindications

The following contraindications are defined:

  • liver dysfunction;
  • in the anamnesis;
  • high level of sensitivity to macrolides.

Side effects

When treated with Erythromycin ointment, the following side effects may develop:

  • irritant effect causing itching, redness;
  • other ;
  • malfunctions digestive system: vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dysbacteriosis, etc.;
  • tinnitus and hearing loss;

With prolonged treatment, it is possible to develop a secondary infection, which was provoked by microorganisms resistant to erythromycin .

Instructions for use of Erythromycin ointment (Method and dosage)

The instructions for Erythromycin ointment stipulate that before prescribing the drug, the level of sensitivity to the ointment of the microflora that provoked the development of the disease should be determined. Eye ointment is placed behind the lower or upper eyelid three times a day, while its amount is 0.2-0.3 g. If the patient is diagnosed with trachoma, the product should be applied 4-5 times a day.

Instructions for use of Erythromycin ointment indicate that the duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. In most cases, treatment lasts from one and a half to two months. For trachoma, the course of treatment increases to 4 months.

At skin diseases the drug should be applied to the affected areas 2-3 times daily. In progress burn treatment The drug is used 2-3 times a week. The product should be applied in a fairly thin layer, treatment can last from 3-4 days to two weeks.

The doctor can change the duration of the course of treatment or dosage on an individual basis, depending on the diagnosis and characteristics of the course of the disease.

Overdose

There is no data on the consequences of an overdose of Erythromycin ointment.

Interaction

If Erythromycin is used simultaneously with, caffeine , Theophylline , then the plasma concentration of the latter increases. As a result, the risk of toxic effects increases.

Erythromycin increases blood concentrations, thereby increasing the likelihood of nephrotoxicity.

Agents that block tubular secretion increase the half-life of erythromycin.

Antibiotics of the erythromycin series are not compatible with, Chloramphenicol . Under the influence of erythromycin, the bactericidal effect is reduced beta-lactam antibiotics .

Simultaneous treatment with Erythromycin and Theophylline increases the level of content of the latter.

If concomitant treatment with erythromycin and drugs that are metabolized in the liver is carried out, the concentration of these drugs in the blood plasma may increase.

Erythromycin reduces effectiveness hormonal contraceptives .

The simultaneous use of Erythromycin ointment and abrasive substances that irritate the skin or provide exfoliation leads to a drying irritant effect.

Terms of sale

The ointment is available without a prescription.

Storage conditions

The ointment should be stored at room temperature, in a dry place, keep out of reach of children.

Best before date

You can store it for 3 years; after the expiration date it cannot be used.

special instructions

After using Erythromycin, at least one hour should pass before using another external acne remedy.

If it does not decrease after 3-4 weeks of regular use of the ointment, you should consult a specialist. In some cases, a pronounced effect is observed only after 2-3 months of using the ointment.

If the product is used for a long time, superinfection may develop.

If eye ointment is used for prophylaxis in newborns ophthalmia , it should not be washed out of the eye.

For children , whose mothers are diagnosed and severe, erythromycin as an ophthalmic drug is prescribed simultaneously with aqueous solution penicillin G (parenteral use).

Analogs

Level 4 ATX code matches:

Analogs of Erythromycin ointment are , drugs Ciplox , Tobradex .

For children

It is used to treat children, and you must strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage and treatment regimen.

During pregnancy and lactation

Erythromycin can cross the placenta and is also excreted in breast milk. The doctor must clearly compare the level of expected benefit and risk.

It is better to stop during treatment.

Erythromycin eye ointment can be used to treat most inflammatory as well as infectious diseases of the conjunctiva and other structures of the visual analyzer. Before using the medication, you should definitely consult your doctor to minimize the risk of adverse reactions or complications.

Composition and effects on the eyes

Erythromycin eye ointment is a multicomponent product. Chemical composition The ointment contains 10 thousand action units (AU) of erythromycin per 1 g of dosage form.

Auxiliary components are:

  • lanolin;
  • sodium disulfite;
  • petrolatum.

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is a drug with pronounced antibacterial properties. Unlike beta-lactam drugs, macrolide does not destroy the membrane of pathogenic microorganisms. Inhibition of bacterial activity is achieved by disrupting the processes of synthesis of protein structures. Erythromycin affects the functioning of ribosomes, which makes the formation of peptide bonds impossible. The result is the elimination of the microbial problem.

Along with its antibacterial properties, erythromycin in the form of an ointment additionally has an anti-inflammatory property that reduces local redness of the eye and swelling in infectious diseases.

Indications and contraindications

Erythromycin-based eye ointment can be used to solve various ophthalmic problems. However, the key aspect remains the presence of a pathogen sensitive to a specific agent.

Indications for use:

  • blepharitis;
  • meibomite;
  • blepharoconjunctivitis;
  • associated with an infectious factor;
  • trachoma;
  • prevention of blenorrhea in newborns.

It is important to understand that if the pathology is provoked by pathogens that are insensitive to erythromycin, then there will be no effect. The approach to the treatment of eye diseases should be justified and selected depending on the characteristics of clinical symptoms.

Contraindications to the use of ointment with erythromycin:

  • individual hypersensitivity of the body to a specific active substance;
  • severe liver dysfunction (the drug is excreted primarily in bile);
  • severe forms of jaundice in the past.

To reduce the risk of unexpected complications or side effects It is recommended to consult a doctor before using the medicine.

Instructions and dosage

The instructions for use of the medication position erythromycin ophthalmic ointment for children and adults as a means for external use. The drug is placed behind the lower eyelid. A strip of ointment should not exceed 1-1.5 cm. The dosage and frequency of administration of the drug depends on the characteristics of the clinical case. Below we will describe the nuances of the treatment of ophthalmological diseases in patients of different age groups.

For adults

A standard strip of erythromycin ointment for eliminating most infectious lesions of the visual analyzer in adults is 1 cm. To achieve the desired result, the drug should be placed behind the lower eyelid three times a day. The total duration of therapy does not exceed two weeks; it is selected individually depending on the rate of attenuation of clinical symptoms.

Increasing the frequency of the procedure up to 4 and 5 times is justified for trachoma and. It is rational to supplement trachoma therapy with regular opening of the follicles. The total duration of treatment can reach 3 months, but only as prescribed by a doctor.

Treatment of pregnant women is possible if the potential benefit exceeds the harm that is caused to the expectant mother and the child’s body in the womb.

For children

Instructions for using the ointment for children differ little from those for adults. If necessary, the dosage may be reduced (as prescribed by a doctor). Prevention of blenorrhea in newborns involves applying a 0.5 cm strip of ointment once. Repeated use of the drug in infants unnecessarily does not increase the effectiveness of the drug.

Overdose

There is no official information on cases of overdose. However, theoretically, minor pain in the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and weakness can progress. If there is intolerance to the drug when using it, a severe allergic reaction develops with a significant deterioration in the patient’s condition.

Side effects

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is well tolerated by patients. In rare cases, patients experience undesirable consequences of treatment. According to information from the manufacturer, possible adverse reactions are:

  • redness in the area where the ointment is applied;
  • itching and local irritation of the mucous membrane upon contact with the medication;
  • deterioration of vision with loss of clarity of perception of surrounding objects;
  • allergic reactions.

If you follow the rules for using the medication, the risk of developing these unpleasant consequences is close to zero.

Interaction with other drugs

  • Lincomycin.
  • Clindamycin.
  • Chloramphenicol.
  • Aminoglycosides (Streptomycin, Amikacin, Gentamicin).

When using the ointment together with beta-lactam antibiotics (Penicillin, Ampicillin and others), erythromycin reduces the effectiveness of the latter. An increase in the overall effectiveness of therapy is observed with the simultaneous use of a macrolide with glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone).

Price

The average price of a tube of erythromycin ointment is 90-110 rubles. The cost may vary depending on the size of the package (3, 5, 10 g) and the operating features of a particular pharmacy. To select the most suitable option, it is recommended to monitor the pricing policy at various drug distribution points.

Analogs

Erythromycin ointment is not the only effective remedy for eliminating infection developing in the visual analyzer. If you have individual intolerance or simply do not want to use the product, it is recommended to choose an analogue to successfully fight the infection. Traditionally, substitutes for erythromycin ointment are sold in the form of eye drops and creams. Examples:

  • Phloxal . The drug is available in drops. Active substance from the group of fluoroquinolones, which provides wide range action and high efficiency of the drug.
  • Tetracycline ointment. The antibiotic acts in the same way as erythromycin. However, in some cases the medicine is more toxic compared to the described macrolide (especially in pregnant and breastfeeding women).
  • Tobrex. Antibacterial drops based on a product from the group of aminoglycosides. has a wide spectrum of action, which allows it to be prescribed in different situations.
  • Dexa-Gentamicin. Effective combination remedy, which, in addition to the antibiotic, includes a glucocorticosteroid. The drug more effectively eliminates local inflammation, which expands the range of its use.

Most of the analogs described above differ little from erythromycin ointment. An ordinary patient is unlikely to be able to objectively assess which medicine is better to choose. Therefore, before starting antimicrobial therapy, you should consult a doctor.

Erythromycin ointment for the treatment of eye diseases is an important drug in ophthalmology, which has its own specific indications. The use of a medication must be regulated and justified.

Useful video about erythromycin ointment

Content

For infections caused by bacteria, use tablets or injection solution Erythromycin - instructions for use of the medication include information about the effect in the blood and the human body. A broad-spectrum antibacterial drug has a powerful effect that allows it to quickly kill pathogenic infections, eliminating many diseases.

Antibiotic Erythromycin

According to pharmacological classification, the drug Erythromycin belongs to the group of macrolide antibiotics. The active substance of the composition is erythromycin phosphate of the same name, which has a negative effect on the bacterial cell, inhibiting its growth and reproduction. Most microorganisms are sensitive to the drug, but some are resistant, so only a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic.

Composition and release form

Erythromycin is available in the form of enteric-coated tablets, powder for solution (lyophilisate) and ointment. Detailed composition:

Pills

Description

White, round, biconvex

White porous powder

White dense

Erythromycin concentration, mg

100, 250 or 500 per 1 piece.

100 or 200 per 1 bottle

10000 units per 1 g

Povidone, Castor oil, crospovidone, titanium dioxide, calcium stearate, cellacephate, potato starch, talc

Vaseline, lanolin, synthetic sodium derivatives

Package

10 or 20 pcs. in a cardboard box

Aluminum tubes 3, 7, 10 or 15 g

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Erythromycin is a bacteriostatic antibiotic from the macrolide group that binds to the donor part of bacteria and disrupts the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. The active substance blocks the production of proteins by microorganisms, but does not affect the synthesis of nucleic acids. High concentrations of the drug exhibit a bactericidal effect.

The medicine shows a wide spectrum of action against gram-positive (staphylococci, streptococci), gram-negative (mycoplasma, chlamydia, treponema) microorganisms. Gram-negative bacilli (coliform bacteria, Shigella, Salmonella) are resistant to Erythromycin. The drug has high absorption, which is independent of food intake. The active substance reaches its maximum concentration three hours after oral administration and binds to plasma proteins by 80%.

The bioavailability of Erythromycin is 48%; it accumulates in the liver, spleen, kidneys, bile and urine. The drug is capable of penetrating into the cerebrospinal fluid, placenta and fetal blood; in case of inflammation of the meninges, it penetrates into the brain tissue. Metabolism of the components occurs in the liver, they are excreted in 3-4 hours, with anuria in 8-12 hours with bile and urine. When used topically, absorption and entry into the systemic circulation is minimal

Indications for use

According to the instructions for use, Erythromycin has the following indications for use:

  • severe bacterial infections caused by sensitive microorganisms;
  • diphtheria;
  • treatment and prevention of whooping cough;
  • trachoma, brucellosis;
  • Legionnaires' disease;
  • erythrasma, listeriosis;
  • gonorrhea, amoebic dysentery;
  • scarlet fever, conjunctivitis in newborns, childhood pneumonia;
  • genitourinary infections, primary syphilis, uncomplicated chlamydia;
  • tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis, cholecystitis, treatment of sore throat;
  • eye diseases;
  • bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, infections of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
  • skin diseases: acne, bedsores, burns, trophic ulcers, infected wounds;
  • prevention of tonsillitis and pharyngitis in patients with rheumatism, infectious complications in treatment and diagnosis.

How to take Erythromycin

The method of use of the drug, frequency of administration, dosage depend on the release form and are indicated in the instructions. The mode of use and course are prescribed by the doctor; the indications are influenced by the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient. Tablets are intended for oral administration, solution – for parenteral and external, ointment – ​​for local.

In tablets

According to the instructions, Erythromycin tablets are intended for oral administration in a single dose for adults of 250-500 mg, daily - 1-2 g. For children, the dose depends on weight and is 30-50 mg/kg after 4 months and 20-40 mc/kg before. At least six hours should pass between doses; in severe cases, the daily dosage will be up to 4 g. The exact consumption figures depend on the type of disease:

Frequency, once/day

Rate, in days

Diphtheria carriage

Amoebic dysentery

Legionellosis

500 (250 after three days)

Every 6 hours

Preoperative bowel preparation

19, 18 and 9 hours before surgery

Prevention of tonsillitis, pharyngitis

20-50 mg/kg/day

Prevention of septic endocarditis

One hour before surgery

After 500 every 6 hours

40-50 mg/kg/day

Pneumonia in children

Genitourinary infectious diseases in pregnant women

Uncomplicated chlamydia

Ointment

It is a mistake to call the ointment Erythromycin gel. According to the instructions, it is applied to the affected area for skin infections 2-3 times a day, and for burns - 2-3 times a week. The course of treatment with ointment is 1.5-2 months. The product is applied in a thin layer and lightly rubbed in. The possibility of using an occlusive dressing is determined by the attending physician. He also prescribes the exact dose, frequency and course antibacterial therapy ointment.

Eye ointment

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is applied to the lower eyelid three times a day. According to doctors, you first need to wash your eyes with Furacilin solution or herbal decoction. The course of treatment lasts two weeks. For trachoma, the ointment is applied behind the eyelid up to five times a day, and the course can be extended up to five months. Mandatory procedure During treatment with Erythromycin, opening of purulent follicles by a doctor is considered.

Solution

The powder for preparing the solution can be used externally or intravenously. For external use, apply the liquid to the affected areas of the skin. When administered parenterally, it is administered intravenously slowly or drip-wise, after dilution in water for injection or saline at the rate of 5 mg per 1 ml of solvent. A single dose for adults and adolescents over 14 years of age is considered to be 0.25-0.5 g, a daily dose is 1-2 g with an interval of 6 hours.

With drip intravenous administration the powder is diluted with sodium chloride or dextrose solution to a concentration of 1 mg/ml and administered at a rate of 70 drops/minute. The course of treatment lasts 5-6 days, then the patient is transferred to tablets. If well tolerated and there is no phlebitis, therapy can last up to 14 days, but not longer than the specified period of time.

special instructions

It is useful to study the section in the instructions for use special instructions, which will help you navigate the features of using the drug:

  • long-term therapy requires monitoring of liver function, because cholestatic jaundice may develop after 7-14 days, especially in elderly patients;
  • some resistant strains of bacteria are sensitive to the combination of Erythromycin and sulfonamides;
  • drug therapy may interfere with the determination of catecholamines in urine and the activity of liver enzymes;
  • During the entire treatment with the drug, alcohol intake is prohibited.

Erythromycin during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the use of tablet forms of the drug is indicated if there is genitourinary infections caused by certain strains. Your doctor will help you determine the prescription of the medication. During lactation, the active substance of the composition penetrates into breast milk, so you should stop breastfeeding the baby during therapy.

Erythromycin for children

According to the instructions for use, Erythromycin can be used for children to treat pneumonia and other diseases in a dosage less than that of an adult. Children 4 months to 18 years old receive 30-50 mg/kg body weight of the drug per day, the first three months - 20-40 mg/kg body weight per day. Indication for use medicine, the dosage and duration of the course are determined by the doctor.

Drug interactions

The instructions say that it is possible drug interactions Erythromycin with other medications:

  • blockers of tubular secretions increase the elimination time of Erythromycin;
  • it is forbidden to combine the medicine with Lincomycin, Clindamycin and Chloramphenicol, beta-lactam antibiotics, because they are antagonists of each other;
  • the drug reduces the effect of penicillins, cephalosporins, carbopenems;
  • increases the concentration of Theophylline, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Bromocriptine, increases nephrotoxicity;
  • increases the concentration of Cyclosporine, reduces the clearance of Triazolam, Midazolam, enhances the effect of benzodiazepines;
  • Terfenadine and Asetmizole increase the risk of arrhythmia, Dihydroergotamine or ergot alkaloids - narrowing of vasospasms;
  • slows down the elimination of Methylprednisolone, Felodipine, coumarin anticoagulants;
  • enhances rhabdomyolysis of Lovastatin, increases the bioavailability of Digoxin, reduces the effect of hormonal contraception.

Side effects

When taking the drug, the following side effects indicated in the instructions may occur:

  • hypersensitivity, urticaria, anaphylactic shock, allergies;
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysbacteriosis;
  • oral candidiasis, pseudomembranous enterocolitis, jaundice;
  • gastralgia, pancreatitis, hearing loss, tinnitus;
  • tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include liver disease, hearing loss, and acute liver failure may develop. For treatment, the patient is given Activated carbon, control it respiratory system. If the dose is five times higher than the average therapeutic dose, gastric lavage is indicated. Hemodialysis, forced diuresis and peritoneal dialysis are not effective.

Contraindications

According to the instructions, the use of the drug should be prescribed with caution in case of arrhythmia (including its manifestations in history), jaundice, hepatic and renal failure. Contraindications for taking the medicine are:

  • hypersensitivity to components;
  • hearing loss;
  • combination with Terfenadine or Astemizole;
  • lactation.

Terms of sale and storage

All forms of Erythromycin are available by prescription and are stored away from light, children, and at temperatures up to 25 degrees. The shelf life for tablets and ointment is two years, for powder – four.

Analogs

There are direct and indirect analogs of Erythromycin. The first synonyms include identical drugs in composition and concentration of the active substance. Indirect substitutes contain other components, but have similar action on the body. Analogues include:

  • Adimicin;
  • Grunomycin;
  • Ilozon;
  • Synerith;
  • Erigexal;
  • Eritran;
  • Ericin;
  • Eriderm.

Price

You can buy the medicine through pharmacies or the Internet at prices that are directly dependent on the form of the drug, the concentration of the active substance and the accepted level of markup. The approximate cost for Moscow and St. Petersburg will be.