How many diseases can a tube of erythromycin eye ointment, which costs only a few dollars, cure? Here comes the answer

Expert in this article: Li Xue, Peking Union Medical College, Doctor of Medicine

Speaking of erythromycin eye ointment, I believe everyone is familiar with it. In some people's minds, this small ointment of a few dollars can be called a "universal magic medicine".

Although it is called eye ointment, it seems that it can also be used to treat some minor ailments in other parts of the body, such as inflammation of the corners of the mouth, acne, dry nose, etc.

Many people also wonder what kind of medicine erythromycin eye ointment is?

Are there really so many functions?

What is the difference between it and erythromycin ointment?

Are there any taboos?

Next, I will explain it to you clearly

What is erythromycin eye ointment?

Erythromycin is an antibacterial drug belonging to the macrolide class. It exerts its 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 vaseline.

As a commonly used over-the-counter drug in ophthalmology, erythromycin eye ointment is mainly used for trachoma, conjunctivitis, blepharitis and external eye infections. In addition to ophthalmological related diseases, it can also be used for local infections such as bacterial external otitis and nasal vestibulitis.

Clinically, erythromycin eye ointment can be used for ophthalmic surgery (to prevent infection); nosebleeds (to stop bleeding), vestibulitis; angular cheilitis (used in combination with vitamin B); skin diseases such as herpes and pressure sores; anal inflammatory diseases of the anal canal, anal fissures and other anal-related diseases.

What is the difference between erythromycin ointment and erythromycin eye ointment?

Although there is only one letter difference between erythromycin ointment and erythromycin eye ointment, there are many differences in their usage and efficacy.

Different indications: Erythromycin ointment is a commonly used over-the-counter drug in dermatology. It is suitable for suppurative skin diseases such as impetigo, small burns, ulcer surface infections and acne vulgaris, that is, it is mainly used for skin injuries and minor infections of varying degrees. In addition, erythromycin ointment is also used to stop nosebleeds and is used in combination with vitamin B2 to treat bacterial angular cheilitis.

As mentioned above, erythromycin eye ointment is a commonly used over-the-counter drug in ophthalmology, mainly used for eye-related diseases such as trachoma, conjunctivitis, blepharitis and external ocular infections, as well as local infections such as bacterial otitis externa and vestibulitis.

Different concentrations of the main ingredient, erythromycin: Although the main ingredient of both is erythromycin, the amount of erythromycin contained is different. The concentration of erythromycin in erythromycin ointment is 1%, while the concentration of erythromycin eye ointment is 0.5%. If misused, erythromycin eye ointment may not reach the therapeutic concentration required to fight skin infections.

Different degrees of sterility: During the production process of these two preparations, the preparation process of erythromycin eye ointment requires aseptic operation, while the preparation process of erythromycin ointment does not require sterility.

Different particle size/irritation: Erythromycin eye ointment is required to be prepared into extremely fine powder during the preparation process. The particles are very small and should not be irritating to the eyes.

Erythromycin ointment has relatively loose requirements on particles, as long as it is uniform and fine, with appropriate viscosity, easy to apply on the skin and non-irritating. Therefore, do not use erythromycin ointment for eye infections.

In what cases is erythromycin eye ointment not used?

Referring to the precautions for the use of macrolide drugs in the "Guidelines for the Clinical Application of Antimicrobial Drugs (2015 Edition)", the following points should be noted when using erythromycin eye ointment:

It should not be used by patients who are allergic to erythromycin or other macrolides.

Erythromycin should not be used in combination with terfenadine to avoid adverse cardiac reactions.

Patients with impaired liver function should reduce the dosage appropriately and have their liver function checked regularly if indicated.

In addition, erythromycin is also an antibiotic. When using any antibiotic, you should always keep in mind the concept of "rational use" and consult a doctor or clinical pharmacist before use. In addition, you should also pay attention to the use cycle. Even if the condition improves, you should follow the complete prescription and not use it for a long time.

Overuse and abuse can cause bacterial resistance. If bacteria become resistant to all antibiotics, we will enter a post-antibiotic era and face the dilemma of no drugs available. By then, common infections and minor injuries will pose a risk of death.

The pictures in this article with the "Science Popularization China" watermark are all from the copyright gallery. The pictures are not authorized for reprinting.