Erythromycin ophthalmic (eye ointment and drops) prescription online

Our PlushCare telemedicine docs can help prescribe erythromycin ointment or drops

It can be hard to take time off work or school to travel to the doctor’s office, deal with long wait times, or even find an available appointment. Getting a prescription quickly means quicker treatment and a better outcome for most common eye infections.

Virtual doctor’s appointments are convenient and accessible, allowing you to be seen by a doctor for your eye infection symptoms without leaving your home. Many patients also choose online healthcare to avoid the unnecessary risk of getting sick from other patients in the doctor’s office.

Skip the long wait or being put on hold at a doctor’s office - our convenient, flexible, online booking process provides quick access to board-certified doctors. This makes it easier to start treatment early for conditions like pink eye. It’s also easier to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of your treatment and make any necessary adjustments.

When to see a local doctor for eye infection symptoms

If your eye infection symptoms worsen quickly or are severe, you must see a local doctor immediately.  Signs to look out for include severe eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision that does not improve after gently cleaning your eye. Also, if your condition doesn’t improve with treatment, your telemedicine doctor may refer you to a local optometrist or ophthalmologist for an in-depth eye examination.

The benefits of erythromycin eye ointment: stopping the spread of harmful eye bacteria

Erythromycin eye ointment stops harmful bacteria from growing in your eyes when you have an infection. While most common bacterial infections are not severe, some untreated eye infections can have serious consequences. Your doctor will help guide you to prevent unnecessary risks to your eye health. 

The risks of leaving a bacterial eye infection untreated can include:

• Increased severity: A bacterial eye infection can worsen without appropriate treatment. The bacteria can continue to reproduce and cause more damage, potentially leading to complications like corneal ulcers. Corneal ulcers are open sores on the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, and can seriously affect vision.

• Chronic inflammation: Untreated bacterial eye infections can result in persistent inflammation. The eye may remain red, swollen, and uncomfortable. Chronic inflammation can contribute to long-term discomfort and may interfere with daily activities.

• Vision impairment: In severe cases where the infection progresses without intervention, bacteria cause damage to the cornea and other structures in the eye. This damage can lead to vision impairment or even permanent vision loss. Timely treatment is crucial to prevent such consequences.

• Systemic spread: In rare instances, bacteria from an untreated eye infection can enter the bloodstream, causing systemic infections. This can have implications beyond the eye, affecting other organs and systems in the body. 

• Recurrence: When a bacterial eye infection is not properly addressed, there's a greater risk of recurrence. The infection may appear to resolve initially, but underlying bacteria can persist, causing the infection to return. This painful cycle can lead to ongoing discomfort and require extended or repeated treatment.

• Complications in vulnerable populations: Certain groups, such as infants, patients over 65, or individuals with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to serious complications from bacterial eye infections. They may experience more severe symptoms, and the risks of systemic spread and other complications are heightened.

Trust PlushCare for your eye health

PlushCare offers a convenient and reliable telemedicine platform, ensuring accessible healthcare for your eye needs. Schedule a virtual doctor's appointment to consult with board-certified doctors in a relaxed virtual environment, allowing plenty of time for questions and an empathetic approach to your concerns. Our telemedicine services bring healthcare to your fingertips.

Alternative treatment to erythromycin: azithromycin ophthalmic solution

In certain situations, alternative treatments may be explored for various reasons, such as allergies to specific medications, unavailability of a particular prescription, or individual patient preferences.

Azithromycin ophthalmic solution, like erythromycin, is an antibiotic designed for ophthalmic use. Azithromycin ophthalmic solution is sometimes preferred to erythromycin for the following reasons: 

• Broader spectrum antibiotic: Azithromycin, like erythromycin, is a macrolide antibiotic, but it often has a broader spectrum of activity against bacteria, making it effective against a more comprehensive range of bacterial eye infections.

• Less frequent dosing: Azithromycin ophthalmic solution typically requires less frequent dosing than erythromycin ointment. For instance, azithromycin can be used once daily, which can be more convenient and improve patient compliance, especially in chronic conditions.

• Easier to apply: Some patients may prefer the solution form of azithromycin over the ointment form of erythromycin. Solutions can be less messy and more accessible, especially for those who find ointments to blur their vision excessively.

• Reduced risk of antibiotic resistance: In some cases, azithromycin is chosen to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance, especially if there is concern about the overuse of erythromycin or if the specific bacterial strain is known to be more responsive to azithromycin.

• Comfort: Azithromycin is generally well-tolerated, with a low incidence of local irritation. Some patients may experience less discomfort with azithromycin solution compared to erythromycin ointment.

• Sustained effects:  Azithromycin has a long half-life and excellent tissue penetration, which can be advantageous in treating eye infections where sustained antibiotic presence is beneficial.

• Allergy or sensitivity Issues: Azithromycin is a suitable alternative, given its different chemical structure, when a patient is allergic to or sensitive to erythromycin.

However, it is important to note that in terms of cost, erythromycin is usually a more affordable solution. Azithromycin eye solution often averages more than $200 per vial, whereas erythromycin ointment often costs less than $20 per tube.