How to Use Erythromycin Eye Ointment

Erythromycin eye ointment is a prescription antibiotic medication used to treat conditions such as eye infections. Proper use of the ointment is important to reduce the risk of side effects or worsening the infection for which erythromycin is prescribed to treat. The medication is recommended to be used by adults and its risks have not been thoroughly evaluated among children and older adults. If eye irritation worsens, the Mayo Clinic advises patients to discontinue use and call their doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Erythromycin eye ointment tube
• Warm water
• Soap
• Tissue
• Mirror (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before handling your eye or the erythromycin ointment.

• 2

  Tilt your head backwards, preferably standing in front of a large mirror.

• 3

  Pull the skin of your lower eyelid gently away from the eyeball. This will create a small pocket of space for the actual erythromycin ointment application.

• 4

  Take the tube and squeeze the amount of ointment recommended by your doctor into the pocket of space between your eyeball and eyelid. If your doctor did not state what amount to use, the Mayo Clinic recommends approximately 1/3 inch, or 1cm.

• 5

  Remove your fingers from around your eye.

• 6

  Close your eyes gently.

• 7

  Allow a minute or two for the ointment to settle within the treated eye.

• 8

  Repeat Steps 1 through 7 if treating a second infected eye.

• 9

  Open your eyes and take a tissue to wipe the ointment's applicator tip.

• 10

  Tightly close the medication and place it in a safe storage place that is kept at room temperature.