Why is erythromycin ointment used? It is a drug that is used externally for skin inflammations, eye pathologies, diseases of the mucous membranes, and for the treatment of purulent wounds and burns.
pharmachologic effect
Ointment "Erythromycin" is an antibiotic from the macrolide category, which has a bacteriostatic effect. However, in high doses in relation to pathogenic microorganisms exhibits a pronounced bactericidal property. The active element from the composition of the ointment reversibly binds to the ribosomes of pathogenic bacteria, due to which protein synthesis occurs.
Ointment for external use "Erythromycin" has activity against gram-positive microbes: Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. (strains producing and not producing penicillinase), gram-negative bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Brucella spp., Bordetella pertussis, Bacillus anthracis, Legionella spp., Corynebacterium diphtheriae, as well as microorganisms.
In addition, this medication fights diseases caused by organisms such as Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Spirochaetaceae.
Gram-negative bacilli, in particular, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp .., are resistant to erythromycin.
The bioavailability of this drug is 30-65%. The main element is distributed in most tissues and environments of the body. Binding to plasma proteins is in the range of 70-90%. Erythromycin is metabolized in the liver, with a partial formation of metabolites. The half-life is 1.4-2 hours. It is excreted in the urine and bile from the body.
Composition and form of release
This drug is presented in the form of an ointment for external use from a brownish yellow to a light yellow shade. The active substance of the drug - erythromycin - is contained in a dosage of 10 thousand units. The auxiliary components in this case are: petrolatum, anhydrous lanolin, sodium disulfite (in the form of metabisulfite and sodium pyrosulfite).
The medicine is produced in aluminum tubes, packaged in cardboard packaging.
Not everyone knows why the erythromycin ointment is prescribed. We will examine in more detail in this matter.
Indications for appointment
As indications for the use of ointment, the instructions indicate the following pathological phenomena:
- blepharitis of bacterial origin;
- keratitis;
- children's ophthalmia;
- conjunctivitis;
- trachoma;
- treatment of skin lesions of an infectious-inflammatory genesis;
- burns (2 and 3 degrees);
- staphylococcal, streptococcal and vulgar impetigo;
- dyshidrotic eczema;
- conjunctivitis of chlamydial etiology (including in newborns);
- trophic ulcers;
- pressure sores;
- furunculosis;
- barley.
Often, the erythromycin ointment is used in gynecology. At the same time, it is applied externally in combination with other drugs with complex therapy.
Contraindications
So, we examined the indications of the erythromycin ointment. And what are her contraindications? This medication has a number of restrictions on the use, and each patient must take them into account.
Contraindications to the use of ointment are:
- high sensitivity of the body to the constituent components of the ointment;
- pathological dysfunctions of the kidneys or liver;
- jaundice.
With the above diagnoses, various analogues of the ointment are prescribed at the discretion of the doctor, with the mandatory consideration of the specific pathology.
Dosage and method of use
Why ointment "Erythromycin" is used, the doctor will tell. She needs to handle problem areas. In certain cases, the medication tab is shown directly in the foci of the inflammatory process. The duration of treatment is up to 3 weeks. The approximate processing frequency is up to 3 times a day.
Recommended regimens for various diseases:
- For the treatment of ophthalmic diseases in adult patients - it is recommended to lay the medicine for the affected eyelid (up to 0.2 g) no more than 3 times a day. With barley in a child, ointment is used 2 times a day.
- With purulent damage to tissues and skin, the agent is applied 2 times a day after cleansing the problem area and processing with antiseptic solutions.
- With trachoma - the frequency of daily procedures should be increased up to 5 times. The dosage of the medicine remains the same.
- In the treatment of burns, ointment is applied in a thin layer to the zone of thermal damage. The approximate frequency is no more than 3 times a week.
Before applying the erythromycin eye ointment, it is recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist according to the instructions. Only a doctor can determine the most appropriate treatment regimen for each patient.
In gynecology
The use of ointments with erythromycin in gynecology is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory processes in the female genital organs. In this case, the agent is effective if the pathogen has a bacterial nature and sensitivity to the action of the antibiotic.
Erythromycin is often treated with vulvitis and vaginitis. The ointment is applied to a swab of cotton wool and bandage and is inserted into the vagina for the whole night. Duration - 2 weeks with a break of 7 days and a second course of treatment.
Side effects
The ointment is well tolerated, so side effects can occur only in very rare cases. As a rule, we are talking about situations where a medical device is used for a long time, so doctors recommend limiting it to 3 weeks.
With prolonged use of the medication, the following negative symptoms may develop:
- epithelial irritation;
- hyperemia of the skin;
- secondary infection by pathogenic bacteria;
- weakening of local immunity.
In some cases, minor allergic reactions may occur, but they usually do not require medical intervention. When these effects appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Some patients may need treatment regimens.
special instructions
Ointment "Erythromycin" for the eyes is prohibited in children up to a year. Before applying the medication, it is recommended to check the sensitivity of the pathogenic microflora to this antibiotic.
Long-term treatment with the drug is fraught with re-infection of the affected area.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
To date, there is no official information on the consequences of using the medication during pregnancy or lactation. Experts focus on the properties of the ointment to overcome the placental barrier and penetrate into breast milk. At the time of breastfeeding, the use of this medication should be discarded. During pregnancy, the ointment is used exclusively as directed by a doctor.
Prescribing in childhood
Why is erythromycin ointment used in children? In accordance with the recommendations of doctors, this pharmacological agent is indicated for use at a young age, in some cases even during the neonatal period. Nevertheless, the instructions for use indicate the prohibition of the use of ointments in children up to a year. If there is a need to use ointments for treating the eyes of a child, the safest option would be a short course of use of the drug and its minimum dosage.
Drug interaction
Ointment "Erythromycin" inhibits the pharmacological activity of certain medications, therefore, their combined use is possible only after consultation with the doctor.
This antibiotic can neutralize the bactericidal properties of carbopenems, cephalosporins and pencillins.
When used with abrasives and scrubs, excessive dryness of the skin may occur.
Erythromycin reduces the effectiveness of contraceptive hormones.
It is strictly forbidden to combine the medication in question with clindamycin.
With the simultaneous use of several medications, the risk of developing side effects and allergic reactions increases.
The use of ointment "Erythromycin" for acne
People suffering from problem skin know how difficult it is to eliminate acne. The situation is aggravated if the pathology is due to pathogenic microflora on the surface of the skin. The peculiarity of such bacteria lies in the fact that many of them have resistance to the action of most drugs and cosmetics. In these situations, dermatologists prescribe one or another antibiotic to the patient.
The medicine in question has been used for several decades in the treatment of acne and other skin rashes. It suppresses the vital activity of harmful bacteria that provoke the appearance of acne.
The use of ointment "Erythromycin" should be carried out in accordance with the instructions, in compliance with the dosages and frequency of application.
Reviews
Regarding the ointment "Erythromycin" there are a lot of positive reviews. Patients note that this medication has a very low cost, which makes it accessible to all patients. In addition, this tool, as they believe, several decades ago has established itself in a positive way, so you can use it without fear. The reviews also indicate that in the treatment of this ointment. Diseases of the eyes and skin, the effect occurs very quickly, side effects practically do not occur. The same applies to the use of the drug in childhood and adolescence, with pathologies such as barley, keratitis, conjunctivitis.
We hope you now understand why the erythromycin ointment is used.