Version July 2025
Ophthalmia neonatorum, prophylaxis: Ophthalmic: Instill 1 cm ribbon into each conjunctival sac once.
General dosing, superficial ocular infections: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Ophthalmic: Instill 1 cm ribbon into affected eye(s) up to 6 times daily depending on the severity of the infection.
Blepharitis: Limited data available: Children and Adolescents: Ophthalmic: Instill ~1 cm ribbon into affected eye(s) 1 or more times daily or at bedtime (Ref).
Conjunctivitis: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Ophthalmic: Instill ~1 cm ribbon into affected eye(s) 4 times daily for 7 days (Ref).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
(For additional information see "Erythromycin (ophthalmic): Drug information")
Corneal abrasion (off-label use): Ophthalmic: Instill ~0.5-inch ribbon into affected eye(s) 4 times daily for 3 to 5 days (Ref).
Ocular infections, superficial: Ophthalmic: Instill ~1-cm ribbon into affected eye(s) up to 6 times daily, depending on the severity of the infection.
Blepharitis: Instill ~1-cm ribbon into affected eye(s) one or more times daily or at bedtime (Ref).
Conjunctivitis: Instill ~1-cm ribbon into affected eye(s) 4 times daily for 7 days (Ref).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
The following adverse drug reactions are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
Postmarketing:
Local: Local ocular hypersensitivity reaction
Ophthalmic: Eye irritation, eye redness
Hypersensitivity to erythromycin or any component of the formulation.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection. If superinfection is suspected, institute appropriate alternative therapy.
Dosage form specific issues:
• For ophthalmic use only. Avoid contamination. Do not touch tip of applicator or let tip of applicator touch eye.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Ointment, Ophthalmic:
Generic: 5 mg/g (1 g, 3.5 g)
Yes
Ointment (Erythromycin Ophthalmic)
5 mg/g (per gram): $8.70 - $20.04
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Ointment, Ophthalmic:
Generic: 5 mg/g (1 g, 3.5 g)
For ophthalmic use only. Contact lenses should not be worn during treatment of ophthalmic infections. Avoid contact of tip of ophthalmic ointment tube with affected eye or skin.
Ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis: Do not flush ointment from eye following instillation; use a new ointment tube for each neonate.
Ophthalmic: For ophthalmic use only. Avoid contact of tip of ophthalmic ointment tube with affected eye or skin.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Treatment of superficial eye infections involving the conjunctiva or cornea (FDA approved in all ages); prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis (FDA approved in neonates).
Erythromycin may be confused with azithromycin
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program
There are no known significant interactions.
Adverse events were not observed in animal reproduction studies. The amount of erythromycin available systemically following ophthalmic application is not known. However, erythromycin ophthalmic is considered acceptable for use in pregnant patients (Robert 2001).
Inhibits RNA-dependent protein synthesis at the chain elongation step; binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit resulting in blockage of transpeptidation
