Last reviewed · How we verify
Erythromycin Ointment
Erythromycin ointment is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, reducing bacterial growth and infection.
Erythromycin ointment is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, reducing bacterial growth and infection. Used for Bacterial conjunctivitis, Neonatal ophthalmia prophylaxis, Bacterial eye infections.
At a glance
| Generic name | Erythromycin Ointment |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | National Eye Institute (NEI) |
| Drug class | Macrolide antibiotic |
| Target | Bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Ophthalmology / Infectious Disease |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Erythromycin works by penetrating bacterial cells and binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby inhibiting peptide bond formation and halting protein synthesis. This bacteriostatic action prevents bacterial replication and allows the immune system to clear the infection. When applied topically as an ointment, it achieves high local concentrations at the site of infection while minimizing systemic exposure.
Approved indications
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Neonatal ophthalmia prophylaxis
- Bacterial eye infections
Common side effects
- Local irritation or burning
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Temporary blurred vision
Key clinical trials
- Azithromycin Reduction to Reach Elimination of Trachoma (PHASE4)
- Azithromycin Reduction to Reach Elimination of Trachoma B (PHASE4)
- Clinical Evaluation of Localized Scalp Thread Embedding for Male Androgenetic Alopecia (NA)
- Cyclophotocoagulation in Glaucoma (NA)
- S. Aureus Decolonization in HPN Patients. (NA)
- Resiliency Through Azithromycin for Children (REACH), Côte d'Ivoire (NA)
- Efficacy of Over the Counter (OTC) Povidone-Ioldine 5% for Treatment of Acute or Chronic Blepharitis (NA)
- Topical Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Eyelids (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Erythromycin Ointment CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Erythromycin Ointment updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- National Eye Institute (NEI) portfolio CI