For various infections of the skin and mucous membranes, antibacterial external agents are often used. One of the most common drugs is "Erythromycin" ointment. It is used for ophthalmic or dermatological diseases caused by microorganisms resistant to other antibiotics.
general characteristics
The antibiotic "Erythromycin" refers to the group of macrolides. They are effective against gram-positive bacteria and are used for intolerance to penicillins. "Erythromycin" has bacteriostatic activity against staphylococci, streptococci, chlamydia, mycoplasmas and other microorganisms. But most gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi and viruses, are resistant to it. "Erythromycin" is better tolerated than antibiotics of other groups, less likely to cause side effects. But microorganisms quickly develop resistance to it. "Erythromycin" ointment is applied topically, the active substance does not penetrate into the blood and does not bind to proteins, therefore it rarely has systemic side effects.
The main active ingredient of the ointment is the antibiotic erythromycin. 1 gram of it contains 10,000 units. The basis of the ointment is anhydrous lanolin, and 40% of it consists of petroleum jelly. In addition, its composition contains auxiliary substances: pyrosulfite and sodium disulfite. They contribute to better penetration of the active substance into the tissue and increase its activity. "Erythromycin" ointment is packaged in aluminum tubes of 3, 5 and 10 grams. Its color varies from light yellow to dark yellow.
What effect does
Erythromycin is a bacteriostatic antibiotic from the macrolide group. But when applied topically, it also has a bactericidal effect. Erythromycin binds to the ribosomes of microorganism cells and blocks protein synthesis. Basically, the drug prevents the growth of bacteria. And in large doses, he destroys them. But not all microorganisms are sensitive to its action. This antibiotic is active mainly against gram-positive bacteria: streptococci, staphylococci, hemophilic bacillus, mycoplasmas, chlamydia. Many fungal microorganisms, viruses, and also anaerobic bacteria are insensitive to the effects of erythromycin. The ointment is used for many infections of the skin and mucous membranes in dermatology, ophthalmology and gynecology, as well as in the treatment of acne.
Indications for use
For any infectious diseases, you should definitely consult a doctor. Do not use any drugs on your own. Only a specialist knows why the "Erythromycin" ointment helps. This drug is often prescribed for diseases caused by bacteria that are insensitive to the effects of other antibiotics. Apply ointment in such cases:
- with infected wounds;
- bedsores, trophic ulcers;
- burns of 1 degree;
- juvenile acne, furunculosis;
- with infectious diseases of the eyes;
- eczema, impetigo;
- with vulvitis, chlamydia;
Treatment with "Erythromycin" ointment is most often prescribed for gynecological infections and eye diseases. You can also use it for prophylactic purposes in case of skin damage to prevent infection.
Contraindications
Assign "Erythromycin" ointment to adults and children. But during pregnancy and lactation it is advisable to use it only for strict indications. Although erythromycin, when applied topically, does not cross the placental barrier and does not accumulate in breast milk. It is contraindicated to use this drug only in the presence of individual intolerance or allergy to antibiotics of the macrolide group. In addition, impaired renal function, as well as liver disease in the patient, should be an obstacle to treatment. With erythromycin intolerance, no drugs containing it should be used. These are ointments "Benzamycin", "Kpinesfar", "Zenerit".
Side effects
Antibiotics of this group are better tolerated than others; therefore, an “Erythromycin” ointment is often prescribed for children even of infants. Side effects with its use are rare, mainly with an overdose or prolonged use. An allergic reaction is also possible with intolerance to the components of the ointment. In this case, skin itching, hyperemia, peeling and skin irritation occur. If such reactions do not disappear after 2-3 days of applying the ointment, the drug must be canceled. In severe cases of intolerance, dizziness, swelling, difficulty breathing may occur.
Sometimes local immunity is also reduced, due to which re-infection occurs. And since bacteria quickly develop addiction to the drug, it is more difficult to treat such diseases. It is also possible the development of candidiasis. Especially often this happens when the treatment period is exceeded. Therefore, if after 4 weeks of applying the ointment no improvement has occurred, it is necessary to change the drug.
Erythromycin Eye Ointment
This drug is often used in ophthalmology, so the ointment is called ophthalmic. It is effective for trachoma, blepharitis, keratitis, halazion, the appearance of barley. An ointment is prescribed after ophthalmic surgery to prevent infection. "Erythromycin" ointment for conjunctivitis is not always used, since this disease can be viral or allergic in nature.
The ointment is carefully laid over the lower eyelid. Before this, it is necessary to rinse the eyes with a solution of Furacilin or a decoction of chamomile. Apply the drug 3-5 times a day, depending on the severity of the pathology. Usually the therapeutic course is 2 weeks, but in the treatment of trachoma, it can increase up to 3 months. If there are improvements before the end of the course of treatment, the drug is not canceled, it is possible to reduce its dosage - switch to 1-2 times use. In severe cases, after curing for another 2 weeks, an ointment is applied every 2 days.
Sometimes the patient has an individual intolerance to the components of the ointment. In this case, lacrimation, redness of the eyes, dryness and burning occur after application. If these effects do not disappear after 15-20 minutes, the ointment can no longer be used. You need to warn the doctor about these reactions, you may have to change the drug to another.
"Erythromycin" acne ointment on the face
This is a fairly common way of using the drug. Moreover, the ointment helps from youthful and vulgar acne, acne and furunculosis. Apply it if there are a lot of acne, and conventional remedies do not help get rid of them. The course of use of "Erythromycin" ointment should be long in this case, it is not recommended to interrupt it earlier, as the condition may worsen with the development of purulent acne. Therefore, the drug is used for at least 10 days.
Apply the ointment to the skin with a thin layer, only on the affected areas. Treatment can be combined with other acne remedies, but their use should be separated in time by at least an hour. To treat acne, it is better to use not an ointment, but a gel with the same composition, as it clogs the pores less and contains additional components to cleanse the skin. It is recommended to apply the drug 2-3 times a day. If it is impossible to use this ointment, it can be replaced with analogues. Zinerit, Levomekol, Syntomycin and others have antibacterial effects.
Application features
"Erythromycin" ointment should be used only after the appointment of a doctor. The method of its application, the duration of treatment and dosage depend on the type of infectious disease and the severity of its course. Usually apply the drug in a thin layer on the affected areas of the skin. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as a thick layer of ointment can block the air and create a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. If the ointment is applied to purulent wounds, you must first clean them.
Ointment is most often used 2-3 times a day, but in the treatment of burns - no more than 3 times a week. Therapy is usually long, but erythromycin is not recommended for longer than 2 months, since superinfection is possible. When treating children, the dosage should be established individually by the doctor. For children up to a year, the drug is prescribed only if there are strict indications and under the supervision of a specialist. In this case, it is advisable to limit the minimum dosage and short course of treatment.
Drug interaction
"Erythromycin" ointment is often prescribed as part of complex treatment. But when used together with other drugs, their compatibility must be taken into account. First of all, it is undesirable to use this drug together with other antibiotics. Erythromycin reduces the effectiveness of penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenems. It is incompatible with Linkomycin, Chloramphenicol and Clindamycin. It is necessary to warn the doctor about the need to take "Theophylline", "Caffeine", "Cyclosporin", "Carbamazepine" and some other drugs. If, together with the ointment, various cosmetics are used, for example, containing abrasive substances, the risk of developing allergic skin reactions increases.
Reviews
One of the most common external antibacterial drugs is the erythromycin ointment. Reviews note that it rarely causes side effects. In addition, this drug is popular for its low cost. The price of the tube is from 50 to 120 rubles, depending on the manufacturer and dosage. Reviews note that, despite the low price, the drug is very effective. After 2-3 days of use, it helps to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of bacterial infections. Most often, ointment is used in the treatment of eye diseases. She quickly relieves itching, cleanses her eyes of pus. Erythromycin ointment is also effective against acne. A lot of positive reviews about this use of the drug. People say that the ointment helped to quickly cleanse the skin. And negative reviews are mainly associated with improper use of the product or the appearance of allergic reactions.