Introduction
The dosage forms of the drugs keep on changing with a change in the route of administration and the site of intended drug action. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment suggests that the dosage forms for the ophthalmic problems are completely different from the rest. Well, you might have gone through the list of the different dosage forms, including the oral and parenteral routes. But when we talk about ophthalmic diseases, then they are only dealt with the help of eyedrops and ophthalmic ointments.
You might wonder why these are the most utilized dosage forms in this case, so the answer is extremely simple. It is to avoid any grittiness or harm that might be caused to the eye. Ophthalmic ointments have some special characteristics that differ from the rest of the ointments, including a smaller particle size and no or reduced grittiness.
A comprehensive introduction to the Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is the drug of choice for treating eye bacterial infections. Also, it can be used to prevent bacterial infection in the eyes. Erythromycin can be categorized as Macrolide antibiotic. They are bactericidal in nature and kill bacteria, causing infection.
The usage of the ointment
Now there are a lot of queries regarding the usage of the drug. Thus if we go through the details, then we will learn that the Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is applied to the eyes. In most cases, the frequency is kept at 6 per day. Also, this might come as news to you that Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is also applied to babies’ eyes just after birth to avoid any infection.
Follow the guidelines
To get the perfect results, it is of the utmost importance that you follow the guidelines mentioned on the prescription label. Also, the guidelines a healthcare professional provides will help and should be followed to the letter. The use should be kept precisely as the prescriber has asked. Excessive or under-usage of the ointment might result in ADRs and side effects.
The complete application procedure
Now there is a bulk of people out there who are unaware of how to use the Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. Therefore in this article, you will find some guidelines for the Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment application. The process has been mentioned step by step for the enhancement of your knowledge:
- Wash your hand before the application of the drug thoroughly with any soap and water.
- The ointment should be placed carefully in the eye. So you must take the help of another person or use a mirror.
- To keep the ointment clean at all times, avoid touching the tip of the ointment tube and also avoid touching the eyes.
- The ointment should be placed carefully so tilting your head forward will offer a perfect angle.
- Now hold the ointment with the thumb and the index finger. Run it through your eye without touching it. Place the ointment as close to the eyelid as possible.
- According to several results, a half inch of ointment is enough and should be placed in the pocket developed by the lower lid and the eye.
- Now take a look downwards and gently close your eyes. In order for the highest absorption, keep the eyes closed for a minute or two.
- To avoid any contamination, place the cap on the ointment tube and tighten it immediately. The excessive ointment should be wiped off using a tissue or handkerchief.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes even in the case of blurry vision.
- Wash your hands after the administration process is complete.
The precautionary measures
There are always precautionary measures associated with the drugs and drug administration that you must pay heed to. Below we have mentioned some of the most important precautions you must observe while administering the Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment.
1. Allergic reaction
The allergic reaction in the eyes is not easy to treat. Therefore you should clear it with your prescriber whether you are allergic to erythromycin or not. Also, if you are allergic to any other ingredient of the ointment, then it should be cleared with the prescriber. If you are unaware of the ingredients, you can ask the pharmacist or check the label.
2. The existing drug regime
You should provide the doctors and pharmacists with all the details regarding whether you are taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs. It also includes supplements and vitamins along with herbal products. Also, if other eye medications are in use, you should clear them with the doctor.
3. Pregnancy factor
Pregnancy changes everything. So if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your child, you should mention it to your doctor for an effective checkup, diagnosis, and treatment procedure.
4. Avoid rubbing your eyes
The ointments are thick formulations with a certain amount of oil in them. Therefore you might witness blurry vision for quite some time after the application. But you should not go for rubbing the eyes. Because it might damage the eyes. So you should be patient for some time after administration.
5. The use of contact lenses
If you are using contact lenses, it should be brought to the notice of the prescriber or the doctor. Also, avoiding wearing contact lenses during an eye infection will help greatly.
The side effects
Although unlike many other drugs available on the market, Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment has only a few side effects. But the users must have complete knowledge of these side effects while administering the drug. Below we have mentioned the details for the enhancement of your knowledge:
- Redness of the eyes
- Itching sensation
- Stinging in the eyes
- Burning of the eyes
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Conclusion
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is the perfect drug and the drug of choice to treat ophthalmic infection. Also, because the eyes are quite sensitive and prone to damage, the use of Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment will surely help you eradicate all the red spots on the list. The ointment has minimum side effects and maximum efficacy making it the perfect choice.
