Erythromycin, Ophthalmic
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Erythromycin, Ophthalmic in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Erythromycin, Ophthalmic for pets
(eh-rith-roe-mye-sin)
Description:
This is an antibiotic ointment that is put on the eye.
Common Dosage Forms:
- For animals: there is no veterinary-labeled product.
- For people: an eye ointment that contains 5 mg per gram (0.5%).
Antimicrobial Classification:
Critically Important
Key Information
- This is an antibiotic ointment used on the eye to treat eye infections.
- After you put this medicine in the eye, wait 5 minutes before you put any other medicine in the eye.
- Use correct application steps so the medicine does not get contaminated. When you are not using it, keep the cap closed tightly.
- Do not use this medicine in small mammals (“pocket pets”) unless your veterinarian says it is okay.
How is this medication useful?
Erythromycin eye ointment is used for eye infections caused by bacteria.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many different factors can change how well this medicine works for your animal. Talk with your veterinarian about the items below so you can decide together on the best treatment plan.
- Other medicines may affect this medicine, so tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about everything your animal receives. This includes:
- other eye medicines
- vitamins
- supplements
- herbal products
- Also share how much you give and when you give each one.
- Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- If your animal has had treatment in the past for the same illness or problem, tell your veterinarian what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
- If your animal is pregnant or nursing, discuss the possible risks of using this medicine with your veterinarian.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about any past medicine side effects your animal has had. This includes:
- allergic reactions
- not wanting to eat
- diarrhea
- itching
- hair loss
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
This medicine should begin to work within 1 to 2 hours, but you may not be able to see the change from the outside. Your animal should start to feel better within 1 to 2 days. The medicine does not last long in the body, so it stops working within 24 hours.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any special concerns for your animal.
This drug SHOULD NOT be used in patients:
If your animal has any of the conditions listed below, talk with your veterinarian about the possible risks compared with the possible benefits.
- That have an allergy to this medicine or to similar medicines (for example, azithromycin, clarithromycin, lincomycin).
- That are pocket pets (for example, rabbits, hamsters, chinchillas).
What are the side effects of this medication?
- A small amount of burning, stinging, eye irritation, or eye redness.
- Trouble breathing or swelling in the throat, which may mean a severe allergic reaction to this medicine.
- Severe diarrhea.
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
When this is used as an eye medicine, giving too much is not likely. However, side effects or harmful effects could happen if your animal eats the medicine. If that occurs, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center for advice.
How should this medication be given?
For this medicine to work properly, you must give it exactly the way your veterinarian instructed. It is helpful to read the prescription label each time so you confirm you are giving it the right way.
- Put this medicine into your animal’s eye exactly as your veterinarian directed.
- Wash your hands before you give this medicine.
- To avoid contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the tube touch your animal’s eye or touch any other surface.
- If any medicine remains on your animal’s face after you apply it, softly clean it away using a damp tissue or damp cloth.
- If you are giving more than one eye medicine:
- leave 5 minutes between each one before giving the next.
- Use eye drops first and eye ointments after, so the drops can soak into the eye.
- If you are struggling to apply the medicine, or if your animal will not tolerate the treatment, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist for ideas on how to give it and how to reduce stress during dosing.
- This medicine may be used for different lengths of time.
- Make sure you understand how long your veterinarian wants you to keep giving it.
- You may need prescription refills before the full treatment is finished.
- Do not stop this medicine without speaking with your veterinarian first, because there may be important reasons to continue.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
If you forget a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not give the missed one; instead, give the next dose at the regular time. Then continue with the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
How should I store this medication?
- Keep this medicine in its original container (the ointment tube).
- If your veterinarian or pharmacist has prepared a special version for your animal (a custom-made product), follow the storage directions and the expiration date for that product.
- Store it where children and other animals cannot reach it.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
There are no special safety steps needed when handling this medicine unless you are allergic to it or to similar medicines (for example, azithromycin or clarithromycin). Even so, it is a good practice to wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
- Do not put this medicine into the toilet and do not pour it into a sink drain.
- Do not keep leftover medicine to use later, and do not give it to anyone else.
What other information is important for this medication?
- Some animal competitions may not allow the use of this medicine. Before entering a competition while your animal is receiving this medicine, check the rules.
- If you have more questions about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”
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