Erythromycin ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye and prevent bacterial infections of the eye in newborn babies. Erythromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. 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. Erythromycin ophthalmic is an eye ointment used to treat and prevent bacterial eye infections caused by susceptible organisms such as pink eye and others. Erythromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the macrolide class of antibiotics which inhibit bacterial growth (bacteriostatic). Tetracycline ophthalmic ointment and silver nitrate were previously evaluated but they are no longer available in the United States. Currently, erythromycin is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved prophylactic agent. 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 ointment is an eye medication used to treat bacterial infections. It's also commonly used to prevent blindness in newborn babies shortly after birth. 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. Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment package insert / prescribing information for healthcare professionals. Includes: indications, dosage, adverse reactions and pharmacology. 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. In the treatment of superficial ocular infections, erythromycin ophthalmic ointment approximately 1 cm in length should be applied directly to the infected eye (s) up to six times daily, depending on the severity of the infection.