Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment (Ilotycin®)
Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment is a widely used generic antibiotic for treating bacterial eye infections, such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis. This medication belongs to the macrolide antibiotics class, which works by stopping the growth of bacteria in the eye. Erythromycin is available under several brand names, including Ilotycin®, but you can often find it as a more affordable generic option.
Common Brand Names of Erythromycin Ointment
Because erythromycin is available as a generic drug, it is often an affordable and accessible option for treating bacterial eye infections. For more on related conditions, visit our Conjunctivitis page.
How Erythromycin Ointment Works
Erythromycin stops the growth of bacteria in the eye by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It does this by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacterial cells, which blocks the production of essential proteins needed for the bacteria to grow and multiply. Without these proteins, the bacteria cannot replicate, and the existing bacterial cells eventually die off. This halts the infection, allowing the body’s immune system to clear the remaining bacteria.
Erythromycin is most commonly used to treat conjunctivitis (pink eye), an infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and inner eyelid. Still, it is also effective against other bacterial eye infections.
Conditions Treated with Erythromycin Ointment
How to Use Erythromycin Ointment
Wash your hands before application to prevent contamination.
Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a pouch.
Apply a half-inch strip of ointment into the pouch as directed by your doctor.
Close your eyes gently and roll your eyeballs to help spread the medication.
If instructed, repeat these steps for the other eye.
Important Safety Information
Do not use contact lenses while using Erythromycin Ointment, as the ointment can interfere with the sterility of the lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting lenses.
Side Effects: Common side effects include temporary blurred vision or mild eye irritation after application. If you experience severe allergic reactions, such as swelling or itching, discontinue use and consult your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions: Let your doctor know about any other eye medications you are using, as combining multiple treatments may require special instructions.
For more details about preventing infections, visit our Comprehensive Eye Exam page.
Alternatives to Erythromycin Ointment
If you are allergic to or cannot tolerate erythromycin, other treatment options for bacterial eye infections include:
Tobramycin: Another effective antibiotic for treating bacterial eye infections. Learn more about Tobramycin here.
Ciprofloxacin: A fluoroquinolone antibiotic often used for more severe eye infections.
Visit our Medication Guide for more alternative treatments and information about antibiotics for eye infections.
Learn More
For more information about Erythromycin Ointment, visit the Cleveland clinic here.
