Erythromycin belongs to the family of medicines called antibiotics. Erythromycin topical preparations are used on the skin to help control acne. They may be used alone or with one or more other medicines that are applied to the skin or taken by mouth for acne. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is an eye medication used to treat bacterial infections. It's also commonly used to prevent blindness in newborn babies shortly after birth. What is erythromycin topical? Erythromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. Erythromycin topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne vulgaris in adults. Erythromycin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Squeeze the end of the tube to apply a thin layer of the ointment to the inside of the lower eyelid. Close the eye gently to spread the ointment. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medication more often than directed. What is erythromycin ophthalmic? Erythromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. Erythromycin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes. Erythromycin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Overview: Erythromycin ophthalmic is an eye ointment used to treat and prevent eye infections caused by certain bacteria. It is an antibiotic that stops certain bacteria from growing. One of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for bacterial eye infections is erythromycin. Erythromycin ointment can help kill infections of the eye caused by bacteria. Some of the most widely available brand names of erythromycin are Ilotycin, Romycin, PremierPro RX Erythromycin, and Diomycin. Learn about erythromycin eye ointment usage and dosing. Read the latest news and reviews about the drug as well as potential side effects and popular alternatives. Erythromycin ophthalmic preparations are used to treat infections of the eye. They also may be used to prevent certain eye infections of newborn babies, such as neonatal conjunctivitis and ophthalmia neonatorum. Find patient medical information for Erythromycin topical (Ery, Erygel) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings.