Erythromycin ointment is an antibacterial substance produced by Streptomyces erythreus or other related microorganisms.

Erythromycin ointment is a group of macrolides – compounds containing in the molecule macro cyclic lactones ring. This group is Oleandomycin.

Synonyms: Eritrocina, Ermycin, Erycinum, Erythran, Erythrocin, Erythromycin,   Etromycin, Ilotycin, Lubomycin, Pantomicina et al.

Erythromycin ointments contain crystalline white powder, odorless, bitter taste. Not soluble in water, easily – in alcohol. Theoretically, 1 mg contains 1000 units; practically available to the activity of at least 900 units in 1 mg. the spectrum of antimicrobial action of erythromycin is close to penicillin. It is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms (staphylococci, pneumococci, streptococci, gonococci, meningococci). There is also a series of Gram-positive bacteria, brucella, rickettsia, agents of trachoma, and syphilis.

Erythromycin tolerated better than penicillin, and can be used in case of allergy to penicillin.

In therapeutic doses of erythromycin acts bacteriostatic. Antibiotic resistance develops quickly, and with other macrolides antibiotics (Oleandomycin) observed cross-resistance. When used in combination with streptomycin, tetracycline and sulphonamide.

Locally erythromycin ointment is used with pustular skin lesions, infected wounds, bedsores, etc., as well as conjunctivitis, Blepharitis, trachoma.

Side effects of treatment with erythromycin occur relatively infrequently (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Prolonged use may be a violation of liver function (jaundice). In some cases, may be a heightened sensitivity to the drug with the emergence of allergic reactions. With prolonged use of erythromycin resistance may develop microorganisms.

The drug is contraindicated in individual sensitivity to it, and in severe violations of liver function. Erythromycin increases plasma concentrations of carbamazepine, theophylline and increases their toxic effects (nausea, vomiting, etc.).