Romycin (Ophthalmic)

Erythromycin is an antibiotic. Erythromycin ophthalmic preparations are used to treat eye infections. They may also be used to prevent certain eye infections in newborns, like neonatal conjunctivitis and ophthalmia neonatorum. They may be used with other medicines for some eye infections.

Erythromycin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse, contact your doctor.

After applying eye ointments, your vision may be blurry for a few minutes.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine versus the benefits it will provide. Here are some important points to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have only been conducted in adults, and there is no specific information available about its use in children compared to other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or issues in older adults. There is no specific information comparing the use of this medicine in elderly patients with other age groups.

Breast Feeding

Studies suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if there could be an interaction. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. It is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while using this medicine. The following interactions are based on their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some instances. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or the frequency of use for one or both medicines.

• Clindamycin
• Warfarin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its intended effects, this medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might require medical attention.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Eye irritation not present before therapy

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Ilotycin
• PremierPro RX Erythromycin
• Romycin

In Canada

• Diomycin
• Erythromycin
• Pms-Erythromycin

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

Chemical Class: Macrolide

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into this space. A 1-cm (approximately 1/3-inch) strip of ointment is usually enough, unless you have been told by your doctor to use a different amount. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). After using erythromycin eye ointment, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For ophthalmic ointment dosage form: For treatment of eye infections: Adults and children—Use in the eyes up to six times a day as directed by your doctor. For prevention of neonatal conjunctivitis and ophthalmia neonatorum: Newborn babies—Use in the eyes once at birth.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.