Erythromycin ointment: the "panacea" in the hearts of the people once misused, the consequences are very serious

Author: Liang Jianhua, Chinese medicine practitioner in charge of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University

Accidentally burned? Rub some erythromycin!

How many bags were bitten by mosquitoes? Rub some erythromycin!

Pustulous acne? Rub some erythromycin!

Rotten corners of the mouth? Or rub some erythromycin

……

A erythromycin ointment for two or three dollars

"Flat, beautiful and positive"

He has always been a regular visitor to the family medicine box of ordinary people.

Erythromycin ointment is a macrolide antibiotic, as a member of the antibiotic "family", it has antibacterial activity against most gram-positive bacteria, some gram-negative bacteria and some atypical pathogenic bacteria such as chlamydia and mycoplasma. The antimicrobial spectrum is broad and is commonly used for purulent skin infections and penicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections.

Erythromycin ointment is indicated for purulent skin such as impetigo and small burns, infections of the ulcerated surface and acne vulgaris. Erythromycin ointment occupies an important position in medical assistance, not only can treat conjunctivitis, blepharitis, external infections of the eye in surgery, wound healing, skin ulceration, the use of significant, the effect is obvious.

Main role

1. Protect the wound

Erythromycin eye ointment contains petroleum jelly, paraffin and other ingredients, which has the effect of protecting wounds and preventing cracking, and is especially suitable for inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the skin and mucous membranes. In particular, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, which are easy to cause skin infections, are sensitive to erythromycin, and appropriate application helps prevent bacterial growth and protect wounds. If the skin is slightly contused or scratched, after the wound is cleaned and disinfected, erythromycin eye ointment can be applied to prevent infection.

2. Relieve acne swelling

Propionibacterium acnes can make acne inflamed, red and swollen, this pathogen is more sensitive to penicillin, erythromycin and other antibacterial drugs. However, if the inflammation of the acne is not obvious, the effect of erythromycin eye ointment is not obvious.

3. Relieve angular cheilitis

For example, red papules scattered on both sides of the mouth, the kind of angular inflammation that hurts when touched, its occurrence is often associated with joint infection of Candida and streptococcus (such as Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic streptococcus, etc.). Erythromycin inhibits the growth of these pathogens and relieves the symptoms of angular cheilitis.

4. Relieve nasal dryness

If the nasal mucosa is particularly dry, it may cause rupture of the mucosal microvascular vessels and nasal bleeding. Applying erythromycin eye ointment can not only inhibit bacteria, but also moisturize the nasal mucosa and prevent nosebleeds. It is worth noting that in patients with allergic rhinitis problems, the use of erythromycin eye ointment to apply the nose not only does not achieve the effect of relieving nasal dryness, but also may have side effects.

5. Hemorrhoids

People with hemorrhoids apply a small amount of erythromycin ointment after cleaning the anus to reduce the symptoms of discomfort.

6. Mosquito bites

When the situation is more serious, you can take an appropriate amount of this ointment and apply it.

Adverse reactions

Although erythromycin is good, it has side effects that cannot be ignored. Mainly manifested in the following aspects:

1. Ineffective against fungal infections

Erythromycin ointment it does not work against skin diseases caused by fungal infections, such as tinea capitis, onychomycosis, tinea femoral ringworm and ringworm of hands and feet.

2. Adverse reactions such as local burning sensation occur

In rare cases, the use of erythromycin eye ointment may cause local burning, dryness, itching, erythema, urticaria, and other poor pronunciation. At this time, the medication should be stopped immediately, and the medication applied to the skin should be washed and the medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible.

3. Long-term use produces drug resistance

Overuse of erythromycin eye ointment may create problems with drug resistance. If erythromycin eye ointment is not necessary, it should be avoided.

4. Use with caution for allergic and hypertrophic rhinitis

Patients with bacterial infectious rhinitis should apply erythromycin ointment according to the doctor's instructions, which helps to remove nasal scabs, keep the nasal cavity moist, and can play a certain anti-infective effect. However, it is not recommended for allergic, hypertrophic rhinitis, otherwise it will not only be ineffective, but also increase the risk of side effects.

5. Lactating women should not use it

Women are pregnant, breastfeeding, if there are skin allergies and other problems, it is best to avoid unauthorized use of erythromycin eye ointment, so as not to pass the drug through the milk to the baby's body, affecting its normal growth and development. When this part of the patient has skin problems, they should seek medical attention in time.

Tips

Before use, be sure to read the instructions in detail, and try not to use it if you have taboos. If you want to use it in combination with other drugs, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist first. When used, it should not be used for a long time, if there are some adverse reactions, the drug should be stopped immediately, for breastfeeding and pregnant women, children, the elderly, patients with poor liver and kidney function and other special groups, should be safely used under the guidance of a doctor.

Review expert: Wang Ruolun, chief pharmacist of the Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University

The above is the original work of the volunteers of the "Drug Safety Cooperation Alliance", if you reprint, please indicate the author and source!

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