Erythromycin

INDICATIONS AND USAGE: For the treatment of superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by organisms susceptible to erythromycin. For prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum due to N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis . The effectiveness of erythromycin in the prevention of ophthalmia caused by penicillinase-producing N.gonorrhoeae is not established. For infants born to mothers with clinically apparent gonorrhea, intravenous or intramuscular injections of aqueous crystalline penicillin G should be given; a single dose of 50,000 units for term infants or 20,000 units for infants of low birth weight.

Topical prophylaxis alone is inadequate for these infants.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: In the treatment of superficial ocular infections, a ribbon approximately 1 cm in length of Erythromycin Opthalmic Ointment should be applied directly to the infected structure up to 6 times daily, depending on the severity of the infection. For prophylaxis of neonatal gonococcal or chlamydial conjunctivitis, a ribbon of ointment approximately 1 cm in length should be instilled into each lower conjunctival sac. The ointment should not be flushed from the eye following instillation.

A new tube should be used for each infant.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: This drug is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to erythromycin.

Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, mice, and rabbits using erythromycin and its various salts and esters, at doses that were several multiples of the usual human dose. No evidence of harm to the fetus that appeared related to erythromycin was reported in these studies. There are, however, no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women.

Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, the erythromycins should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers: Caution should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing woman.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most frequently reported adverse reactions are minor ocular irritations, redness, and hypersensitivity reactions.