Speaking of erythromycin eye ointment
I think everyone is familiar with it
Even in the hearts of some people
Such a small ointment for a few dollars
It can be described as a "panacea"
It's called eye ointment though
But it seems to be some small problems in other parts of the body
Such as inflammation of the corners of the mouth, acne, dry nose and so on
It can also be used to cure a cure
To this
There are also many people who wonder
What exactly is erythromycin eye ointment?
Is there really so much to it?
What is the difference between erythromycin ointment and erythromycin ointment?
Are there any contraindications?
Next
Let me be clear to you
What is Erythromycin Eye Ointment?
Erythromycin is an antibacterial drug belonging to the macrolide class, which exerts antibacterial effect by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial proteins, and has antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, mycoplasma and chlamydia. Its main ingredients are erythromycin, liquid paraffin, lanolin and petrolatum.
As an over-the-counter drug commonly used in ophthalmology, erythromycin ophthalmology is mainly used for trachoma, conjunctivitis, blepharitis and external ocular infections. In addition to the use of ophthalmic related diseases, it can also be used for local infections such as bacterial otolitis externa and nasal vestibularitis.
Clinically, erythromycin ointment can be used for ophthalmic surgery (to prevent infection), epistaxis (to stop bleeding), nasal vestibulitis, angular cheilitis (combined with vitamin B), skin diseases such as herpes and pressure ulcers, inflammatory diseases, fissures and other anal-related diseases.
What is the difference between erythromycin ointment and erythromycin eye ointment?
Although there is only a one-word difference between erythromycin ointment and erythromycin eye ointment, there are many differences in the way they are used and the efficacy of the two.
Indications are different: erythromycin ointment is an over-the-counter drug commonly used in dermatology, suitable for purulent skin diseases such as impetigo, small area burns, ulcerative surface infections and acne vulgaris, that is, mainly used for different degrees of skin damage and minor infections. In addition, erythromycin ointment is also used to stop nosebleeds, and in combination with vitamin B2 to treat bacterial angular cheilitis.
As mentioned earlier, erythromycin ophthalmide is a commonly used over-the-counter drug in ophthalmology, mainly used for trachoma, conjunctivitis, blepharitis and external infections and other eye-related diseases and bacterial otitis externa, nasal vestibularitis and other local infections.
The concentration of the main component, erythromycin, is different: although the main component of both is erythromycin, the amount of erythromycin contained is different. Erythromycin concentrations in erythromycin ointment are 1%, while erythromycin ophthalmology is 0.5%. If misuse, erythromycin eye ointment or can not achieve the therapeutic concentration required to fight skin infections.
The degree of sterility varies: during the production of the two preparations, the preparation process of erythromycin ointment is a sterile operation, while the preparation process of erythromycin ointment does not require sterility.
Particle size / irritation is different: erythromycin eye ointment is required to be prepared into a very fine powder during the preparation process, the particles are very small, and there should be no irritation to the eye.
The requirements for erythromycin ointment for particles are relatively loose, as long as they are uniform and delicate, the viscosity is appropriate, easy to apply to the skin and non-irritating. Therefore, do not use erythromycin ointment for eye infections.
Under which cases is erythromycin eye ointment not?
Referring to the precautions for the use of macrolides in the Guidelines for the Clinical Application of Antibacterial Drugs (2015 Edition), the following points should be noted when using erythromycin eye ointment:
Not for use in patients with allergies to erythromycin and other macrolides.
Erythromycin is contraindicated in combination with terfenadine to avoid causing adverse cardiac reactions.
Patients with liver function impairment should be appropriately reduced and regularly review liver function when indicated.
In addition, erythromycin is also an antibiotic. When using any antibiotic drug, there should always be a concept of "fair use", and you should consult a doctor or clinical pharmacist before use. In addition, pay attention to the use cycle, even if the condition improves, you should take the drug according to the complete prescription, but not for a long time.
Overuse and abuse can lead to bacterial resistance, and if bacteria are resistant to all antibiotics, we will enter the post-antibiotic era, facing the dilemma of no drugs available, when there will be a risk of death from common infections and minor injuries.
This article is reproduced from the WeChat public account "Popular Science China"
Expert: Xue Li, Peking Union Medical College, MD