Erythromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Eyemycin (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Eyemycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the ointment:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.

• Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.

• Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.

• After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not touch the tip of the ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Eyemycin will not treat a viral or fungal eye infection.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

You should not use Eyemycin if you are allergic to erythromycin.

• a viral or fungal infection in your eye.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Eyemycin may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Eyemycin may cause serious side effects. Stop using Eyemycin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using Eyemycin; or

• signs of eye infection--pain, swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage, eyes more sensitive to light.

Common side effects of Eyemycin may include:

• eye redness; or

• mild eye irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.