Dosing and uses of Erythromycin ophthalmic (Ilotycin Ophthalmic)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic ointment
- 0.5%
Conjunctivitis
Apply ½ inch (1.25 cm) q4-12hr, depending on severity of infection
Trachoma (off-label)
Apply q12hr for 2 months
Alternative: Apply q12hr on day 5 of each month for 6 months
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic ointment
- 0.5%
Conjunctivitis
Apply ½ inch (1.25 cm) q4-12hr, depending on severity of infection
Gonococcal Ophthalmia Neonatorum
Prophylaxis
Apply from unit dose (1 cm) to eyes after birth in newborns
Erythromycin ophthalmic (Ilotycin Ophthalmic) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Hypersensitivity reactions
Minor ocular reactions
Redness
Warnings
Contraindications
Minor ocular irritation; hypersensitivity
Cautions
May result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: B
Lactation: Use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Erythromycin ophthalmic (Ilotycin Ophthalmic)
Mechanism of action
Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by binding to 50S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and inhibiting polypeptide synthesis
Exerts effect only against multiplying organisms; penetrates cell wall of gram-positive bacteria more readily than that of gram-negative bacteria, and thus, gram-positive organisms may accumulate 100 times more erythromycin than gram-negative organisms do
Absorption
Unknown whether erythromycin is absorbed from mucous membranes to any substantial extent
