Erythromycin

WHAT IS IT?

  • Erythromycin is an antibiotic ointment applied to a newborn’s eyes

  • It prevents infections caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae 

  • If you have been tested in pregnancy and are negative at the time of delivery, you are not at risk of passing this bacteria on to your baby 

WHY IS IT GIVEN?

To prevent neonatal conjunctivitis (also known as ophthalmia neonatorum). These infections can lead to serious eye problems or even blindness if untreated.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

The ointment is gently applied to the baby’s eyes shortly after birth.

BENEFITS

  • Untreated gonococcal eye infections can cause blindness 

  • Erythromycin ointment significantly reduces the risk of these infections

ARE THERE REASONS NOT TO GIVE IT?

The ointment is very safe and typically does not cause any side effects. There is a 23% antibiotic resistance rate in Canada to erythromycin for topical use in the newborn.

ALTERNATIVES

If you have been tested in pregnancy, are negative, and have no risk factors for contracting the bacteria, your infant is not at risk and there is no benefit to administering the medication.