pharmachologic effect
Erythromycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of macrolides. It has a bacteriostatic effect on the patient's body. The drug has an effect on gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus spp., Corinebacterium diphtheriae, Clostridium spp.).
The drug also acts on certain gram-negative microorganisms. However, most gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi, medium and small viruses, are resistant to the effects of Erythromycin.
Patients tolerate Erythromycin better than penicillins . Therefore, the drug can also be prescribed in case of allergy to penicillins. When treated with the drug, resistance of microorganisms to it develops relatively quickly.
Composition and release form
This drug is available in several dosage forms:
- Pills;
- Ointment (external and ophthalmic);
- Lyophilisate (powder for preparing a solution).
The main and most important substance is Erythromycin , an antibiotic of natural origin from the group of macrolides. Its most important advantages include:
- Extensive spectrum of antibacterial activity;
- Extremely low toxicity;
- Effective penetration into the epidermis.
- High concentration in tissues.
This substance does not have photosensitivity, which means that you can be in direct sunlight during use without harming your skin.
Indications for use
Erythromycin ointment is used to treat infectious and inflammatory diseases caused by microorganisms sensitive to erythromycin. It is used in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases that were provoked by pathogens that exhibit resistance to tetracyclines , chloramphenicol , penicillin , streptomycin .
Externally used to treat juvenile acne .
Local use of drugs is indicated for infectious and inflammatory eye diseases.
Erythromycin ointment is also prescribed for the treatment of trachoma, inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane of the eyes, for the treatment of pustular diseases of the skin, bedsores of infected wounds, burns, trophic ulcers.
Side effects
When treated with Erythromycin ointment, the following side effects may develop:
- irritant effect causing itching, redness;
- other allergic manifestations ;
- disorders of the digestive system: vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dysbacteriosis, etc.;
- candidiasis;
- tinnitus and hearing loss;
- tachycardia.
With prolonged treatment, it is possible to develop a secondary infection, which was provoked by microorganisms resistant to erythromycin .
Instructions for use of Erythromycin ointment (Method and dosage)
The instructions for Erythromycin ointment stipulate that before prescribing the drug, the level of sensitivity to the ointment of the microflora that provoked the development of the disease should be determined. The eye ointment is applied to the lower or upper eyelid three times a day, and its amount is 0.2-0.3 g. If the patient is diagnosed with trachoma, the product should be applied 4-5 times a day.
Instructions for use of Erythromycin ointment indicate that the duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. In most cases, treatment lasts from one and a half to two months. For trachoma, the course of treatment increases to 4 months.
For skin diseases, the drug should be applied to the affected areas 2-3 times daily. In the process of treating burns, the drug is used 2-3 times a week. The product should be applied in a fairly thin layer, treatment can last from 3-4 days to two weeks.
The doctor can change the duration of the course of treatment or dosage on an individual basis, depending on the diagnosis and characteristics of the course of the disease.
Ointment
Erythromycin ointment is a good, budget-friendly product that, combined with proper care, will help you achieve the desired result. In addition to the main active ingredient, the composition contains petroleum jelly and lanolin. Apply it precisely to areas of inflammation in a thin layer, on previously cleansed skin.
Chatterboxes
In this section, we have collected perhaps the best recipes for erythromycin shakes, which have proven to be effective and safe when used correctly. And the additional antibacterial components that are present in the composition will speed up the cleansing of the skin from annoying inflammations.
The biggest advantage of preparing the product yourself is its low price with good efficiency and speed of obtaining the desired effect.
With zinc
To prepare you will need to take:
- Salicylic acid – 20 ml;
- Boric acid – 20 ml;
- Erythromycin (250 mg/tablet) – 4 tablets;
- Baby powder – 2 gr.
The antibiotic must be crushed to a powder and mixed with powder (which consists of 50% zinc oxide and 50% talc). Next, pour boric and salicylic acid into one bottle and pour the resulting mixture into it. Mix well and let it brew in the refrigerator for one day. Shelf life – 14 days.
With tetracycline
The combination of two mutually reinforcing antibiotics, supplemented with dimexide, allows you to achieve an amazing effect in a short time. Just try it and the result will impress you.
Interaction
If Erythromycin is used simultaneously with Aminophylline , caffeine , Theophylline , then the plasma concentration of the latter increases. As a result, the risk of toxic effects increases.
Erythromycin increases the concentration of cyclosporine in the blood, thereby increasing the likelihood of nephrotoxicity.
Agents that block tubular secretion increase the half-life of erythromycin.
Antibiotics of the erythromycin series are not compatible with Clindamycin , Lincomycin , Chloramphenicol . Under the influence of erythromycin, the bactericidal effect of beta-lactam antibiotics .
Simultaneous treatment with Erythromycin and Theophylline increases the level of the latter.
If concomitant treatment with erythromycin and drugs that are metabolized in the liver is carried out, the concentration of these drugs in the blood plasma may increase.
Erythromycin reduces the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives .
The simultaneous use of Erythromycin ointment and abrasive substances that irritate the skin or provide exfoliation leads to a drying irritant effect.
Other drugs containing erythromycin
The drugs listed below are highly proven to be effective, but their price is 3-5 times higher than regular ointment and can hit the average person hard.
Zenerite
This drug combines two active ingredients:
- Erythromycin;
- Zinc acetate.
As we already know, the first component has a pronounced bacteriostatic effect, and the second perfectly dries out inflammation and has an additional bactericidal effect.
Zenerite
Price from 600 rubles per package.
There is also an analogue on the market called zineriderm, which is extremely rare on pharmacy shelves.
Aknemix (Benzamycin)
A very interesting tool, with an equally interesting price. This drug combines two active ingredients:
- Erythromycin;
- Benzoyl peroxide.
Their complementary combination is very effective and allows you to quickly get rid of annoying inflammations.
However, the drug has two significant disadvantages:
- Insanely dry skin;
- Very high price - from 1700 rubles per package.
All medications described in the article are used externally, but to enhance effectiveness they are also taken orally. This drug has various contraindications and may cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, before use, consult your doctor to prescribe the dosage and duration of the course. Please take care of your health and do not self-medicate.
special instructions
After using Erythromycin, at least one hour should pass before using another external acne remedy.
If acne does not improve after 3-4 weeks of regular use of the ointment, you should consult a specialist. In some cases, a pronounced effect is observed only after 2-3 months of using the ointment.
If the product is used for a long time, superinfection may develop.
If eye ointment is used to prevent ophthalmia , it should not be washed out of the eye.
For children whose mothers have been diagnosed with severe gonorrhea , erythromycin as an ophthalmic drug is prescribed simultaneously with an aqueous solution of penicillin G (parenteral use).
Analogs
Level 4 ATC code matches:
Zinerite
Dalatsin
Zerkalin
Klindovit
Erythromycin
Analogs of Erythromycin ointment are Tetracycline ointment , drugs Ciplox , Dex-Gentamicin , Tobradex .
Reviews of Erythromycin ointment
There are numerous reviews on the Internet about Erythromycin ointment, which most often refer to the use of this remedy for acne. It is noted that this medicine helps get rid of acne quite effectively by preventing the effects of bacteria.
However, there are reviews in which it is noted that Erythromycin ointment, after prolonged use, did not have the expected effect. Doctors emphasize that the ointment should be used to treat acne and other diseases according to a clear scheme and only after consultation with a specialist. Since the drug is an antibiotic, its use should be taken wisely.
Mechanism of action
Erythromycin is a substance in the form of a white powder that is poorly soluble in water, but very soluble in alcohol. It has a pronounced bacteriostatic effect, which means that bacteria stop developing and multiplying, and therefore their number stops increasing and the body can more easily cope with their destruction.
Pathogenic bacteria slowly develop an addiction to it, so this antibiotic can be used for a long time (three weeks) without losing its effectiveness.
If the medicine gets on the mucous membrane or in the eyes, rinse it immediately with plenty of water.
