What is Erythromycin ointment used for? This is a drug that is used externally, for skin inflammations, eye pathologies, diseases of the mucous membranes, for the treatment of purulent wounds and burns.
Pharmacological action
Erythromycin ointment is an antibiotic from the macrolide category, which has a bacteriostatic effect. However, in high dosages against pathogenic microorganisms, it exhibits a pronounced bactericidal property. The active element from the composition of the ointment reversibly binds to the ribosomes of pathogenic bacteria, due to which protein synthesis occurs.
Erythromycin ointment for external use has activity against gram-positive microbes: Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. (penicillinase-producing and non-producing strains), gram-negative bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Brucella spp., Bordetella pertussis, Bacillusanthracis, Legionella spp., Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and anaerobic microorganisms: Clostridium spp.
In addition, this medicinal product fights diseases caused by organisms such as Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Spirochaetaceae.
Erythromycin-resistant Gram-negative rods, in particular, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp..
The bioavailability of this drug is 30-65%. The main element is distributed in most tissues and environments of the body. Plasma protein binding is in the range of 70-90%. Erythromycin is metabolized in the liver, with partial formation of metabolites. The half-life is 1.4-2 hours. It is excreted from the body with urine and bile.
Composition and release form
This medicinal product is presented in the form of an ointment for external use from brownish yellow to light yellow. The active substance of the drug - erythromycin - is contained in a dosage of 10 thousand units. Auxiliary components in this case are: petroleum jelly, anhydrous lanolin, sodium disulfite (in the form of metabisulfite and sodium pyrosulfite).
The drug is produced in aluminum tubes packaged in cardboard boxes.
Not everyone knows what Erythromycin ointment is prescribed for. Let's take a closer look at this issue.
Indications for prescription
As indications for the use of ointment, the instructions indicate the followingpathological phenomena:
- blepharitis of bacterial origin;
- keratitis;
- children's ophthalmia;
- conjunctivitis;
- trachoma;
- treatment of skin lesions of infectious and inflammatory genesis;
- burns (2nd and 3rd degree);
- staphylococcal, streptococcal and impetigo vulgaris;
- dyshidrotic eczema;
- conjunctivitis of chlamydial etiology (including in newborns);
- trophic ulcers;
- bedsores;
- furunculosis;
- barley.
Erythromycin ointment is often used in gynecology. At the same time, it is applied externally in combination with other drugs in complex therapy.
Contraindications
So, we have considered the indications of the "Erythromycin" ointment. What are her contraindications? This medicine has a number of restrictions on the use, and each patient must take them into account.
Contraindications to the use of the ointment are:
- high sensitivity of the body to the components of the ointment;
- pathological dysfunction of the kidneys or liver;
- jaundice.
With the above diagnoses, various analogues of the ointment are prescribed at the discretion of the doctor, with the obligatory consideration of the characteristics of a particular pathology.
Doses and method of use
What is Erythromycin ointment used for, the doctor will tell. She needs to treat problem areas. In certain cases, a medication tab is showndirectly to the foci of the inflammatory process. The duration of treatment is up to 3 weeks. Approximate frequency of processing - up to 3 times a day.
Recommended regimens for various diseases:
- For the treatment of ophthalmic diseases in adult patients, it is recommended to apply a medical preparation behind the affected eyelid (up to 0.2 g) no more than 3 times a day. With barley in a child, the ointment is used 2 times a day.
- In case of purulent damage to tissues and skin, the product is applied 2 times a day after cleansing the problem area and treating with antiseptic solutions.
- In case of trachoma - the frequency of daily procedures should be increased up to 5 times. The dosage of the medicine remains the same.
- In the treatment of burns - a thin layer of ointment is applied to the area of thermal damage. Approximate frequency - no more than 3 times a week.
Before using the eye ointment "Erythromycin" according to the instructions, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist. Only a physician can determine the most appropriate treatment regimen for each patient.
In gynecology
The use of ointment with erythromycin in gynecology is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory processes in the female genital organs. At the same time, the remedy is effective if the pathogen has a bacterial nature and sensitivity to the action of an antibiotic.
Vulvitis and vaginitis are more often treated with erythromycin. The ointment is applied to a swab of cotton wool and a bandage and inserted into the vagina all night. Duration - 2 weeks with a break of 7days and a second course of treatment.
Side effects
The ointment is well tolerated, so side effects can only occur in very rare cases. As a rule, we are talking about situations where the medication is used for a long time, so doctors recommend limiting it to 3 weeks.
With prolonged use of the medication, the following negative symptoms may develop:
- irritation of the epithelium;
- hyperemia of the skin;
- secondary infection with pathogenic bacteria;
- weakening of local immunity.
In some cases, minor allergic reactions may occur, but they usually do not require medical attention. If these effects appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Some patients may need to adjust their treatment regimens.
Special Instructions
Erythromycin ointment for the eyes is prohibited in children under one year old. Before applying the medication, it is recommended to check the sensitivity of the pathogenic microflora to this antibiotic.
Prolonged treatment with the drug is fraught with re-infection of the affected area.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
To date, there is no official information regarding the consequences of using the drug during pregnancy or lactation. Experts focus on the properties of the ointment to overcome the placental barrier andpass into mother's milk. At the time of breastfeeding, the use of this medicine should be discontinued. During pregnancy, the ointment is used exclusively as directed by a doctor.
Prescribing in childhood
What is Erythromycin ointment used for in children? In accordance with the recommendations of physicians, this pharmacological agent is indicated for use at a younger age, in some cases even during the neonatal period. Nevertheless, the instructions for use contain an indication of the prohibition of the use of ointment in children under one year old. If it becomes necessary to use an ointment to treat the eyes of a child, the safest option would be a short course of use of the drug and its minimum dosage.
Drug Interactions
Erythromycin ointment inhibits the pharmacological activity of certain medications, so their combined use is possible only after consultation with the doctor.
This antibiotic can neutralize the bactericidal properties of carbopenems, cephalosporins and pencillins.
When used with abrasives and scrubs, excessive dryness may occur.
Erythromycin reduces the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
It is strictly forbidden to combine the medication in question with clindamycin.
When using several medications at the same time, the risk of side effects and allergic reactions increases.
Using Erythromycin ointment for acne
People suffering from problematic skin know how difficult it can be to eliminate acne. The situation is aggravated if the pathology is caused by pathogenic microflora on the surface of the skin. The peculiarity of such bacteria is that many of them are resistant to the action of most drugs and cosmetics. In these situations, dermatologists prescribe one or another antibiotic to the patient.
The drug in question has been used for several decades in the treatment of acne and other skin rashes. It inhibits the activity of harmful bacteria that cause acne.
The use of Erythromycin ointment should be carried out in accordance with the instructions, observing the dosages and frequency of application.
Reviews
Regarding the ointment "Erythromycin" there are a lot of positive reviews. Patients note that this medication has a very low cost, which makes it affordable for all patients. In addition, this tool, as they believe, has proven itself positively several decades ago, so you can use it without fear. The reviews also indicate that in the treatment of this ointment. Diseases of the eyes and skin, the effect occurs very quickly, side effects practically do not occur. The same applies to the use of the drug in childhood and adolescence, with pathologies such as barley, keratitis, conjunctivitis.
We hope you now understand what Erythromycin ointment is used for.
