Do not swallow or inject. If prophylaxis is delayed (i.e., not administered in the delivery room), a monitoring system should be established to ensure that all newborns receive prophylaxis <24 hours after delivery. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Erythromycin is the only antibiotic ointment recommended for use in newborns. ERYTHROMYCIN (er ith roe MYE sin) prevents or treats eye infections caused by bacteria. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Principal Display Panel Text for Container Label: Principal Display Panel Text for Carton Label: azithromycin ophthalmic, ciprofloxacin ophthalmic, levofloxacin ophthalmic, erythromycin ophthalmic, gentamicin ophthalmic. Monitor for S&S of hepatotoxicity. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Erythromycin is available only with your doctor's prescription. Ophthalmic ointment ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS One-half-inch ribbon instilled into conjunctival sac of affected eye two to six times per day, depending on severity of infection. It is not known whether erythromycin passes into breast milk when given as an eye ointment. It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Erythromycin can blur your newborns vision a bit, but your little ones eyesight isnt 20/20 to begin with. Give some preparations with meals, as directed, or substitute one of these preparations, if GI upset occurs with oral therapy. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Erythromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. Erythromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. Newborns who have gonococcal ophthalmia should be evaluated for signs of disseminated infection (e.g., sepsis, arthritis, and meningitis). The ointment should not be flushed from the eye following instillation. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. The recommendation also has the backing of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. A healthcare provider can determine the cause of your pink eye and treat you accordingly. Erythromycin ointment is used as a harmless and cost-effective means of treating neonatal conjunctivitis, which is also called ophthalmia neonatorum. Drug may cause temporary blurring of vision, stinging, or itching. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Our. Ilotycin ( erythromycin) Ointment is an antibiotic used to treat superficial ocular (eye) infections, and to prevent neonatal gonococcal or chlamydial conjunctivitis. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Monitor liver function in patients on prolonged therapy. Mali Schantz-Feld is a medical journalist with over 25 years of experience covering a wide rangeof health, medicine, and dental topics. Precautions. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Generic Name : erythromycin, erythromycin base , erythromycin estolate, erythromycin ethylsuccinate , erythromycin gluceptate , erythromycin lactobionate ,erythromycin stearate, Ophthalmic and topical dermatologic preparation, erythromycin Nursing Considerations & Management, Maternal and Child Health Nursing (NCLEX Exams), Medical and Surgical Nursing (NCLEX Exams), Pharmacology and Drug Calculation (NCLEX Exams), hydroxyzine Nursing Considerations & Management, tetracycline hydrochloride Nursing Considerations & Management, prednisone Nursing Considerations & Management, calcitonin Nursing Considerations & Management, disulfiram Nursing Considerations & Management, cefprozil Nursing Considerations & Management, Anticholinergics (Parasympatholytics) Nursing Considerations & Management, Oral, ophthalmic ointment, topical dermatologic solution for acne, topical dermatologic ointment: Akne-mycin, A/T/S, Apo-Erythro (CAN), Apo-Erythro E-C (CAN), Diomycin (CAN), E-Mycin, Erybid (CAN), Eryc, EryDerm, Erymax, Ery-Tab, Erythromycin Film-tabs, Ilotycin, PCE Dispertab Apo-Erythro ES (CAN), E.E.S. Squeeze out a small amount of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. The ointment or drops may make a baby's eyes look cloudy. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness. Possible Adverse Reactions: Irritation 3. Topical antibiotic therapy alone is inadequate and unnecessary if systemic treatment is administered. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is a treatment option for bacterial pink eye only. Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex. Chlamydial testing should be performed simultaneously from the inverted eyelid specimen (see Ophthalmia Neonatorum Caused by C. trachomatis). CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Nongonococcal causes of neonatal ophthalmia include Moraxella catarrhalis and other Neisseria species, which are organisms that are indistinguishable from N. gonorrhoeae on Gram-stained smear but can be differentiated in the microbiology laboratory. HENRY SCHEIN INC. 135 DURYEA ROAD During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Do not share this medication with others. Oral preparations of the different erythromycin salts differ in pharmacokinetics: 400 mg erythromycin ethylsuccinate produces the same free erythromycin serum levels as 250 mg of erythromycin base, stearate, or estolate. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The more severe your infection is, the more often you will have to apply it. Information for Patients: Avoid contaminating the applicator tip with material from the eye, fingers, or other source. Presumptive treatment for N. gonorrhoeae might be indicated for newborns at increased risk for gonococcal ophthalmia who have increased WBCs (no GNID) in a Gram-stained smear of conjunctival exudate. Cases in the United States are uncommon, which is likely attributable to gonorrhea screening programs for women, including pregnant women, that have contributed substantially to reduction in ophthalmia neonatorum (904). CDC recommendations for STDs: 500 mg PO qid for 730 days, depending on the infection. When bacteria are the cause, antibiotic preparations like erythromycin eye ointment may be used as part of the treatment. Erythromycin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes. This content does not have an English version. Nursing implications a. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. No evidence of harm to the fetus that appeared related to erythromycin was reported in these studies. Read our, Uses for Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment, Before Applying Erythromycin Eye Ointment, What to Know About Antibiotic Eye Ointments, Side Effects of Erythromycin Eye Ointment. Here's another standard procedure for newborns protective eye medicine for those pint-sized peepers. Microbiology: Erythromycin inhibits protein synthesis without affecting nucleic acid synthesis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administrationrequiresgenericdrugs to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and routeof administration as thebrand-namedrug. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. signs of eye infection--pain, swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage, eyes more sensitive to light. They may be used with other medicines for some eye infections. It belongs to a class of drugs known as. Pseudomembranous enterocolitis (see Appendix F), a potentially life-threatening condition, Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment should be instilled into both eyes of neonates as soon as possible after delivery, regardless of whether they are delivered vaginally or by cesarean delivery. They also may be used to prevent certain eye infections of newborn babies, such as neonatal conjunctivitis and ophthalmia neonatorum. Streptococcal infections: 2050 mg/kg/day PO in divided doses (for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections, continue therapy for at least 10 days). Ophthalmic erythromycin is commonly prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis (bacterial pink eye), which can cause red and swollen eyes. may occur during or after antibiotic therapy. Stopping the medication too soon may allow the bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. A new tube should be used for each infant. In 2019, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmed its previous recommendation that all babies receive antibiotic ointment at birth. Urethritis in males: 800 mg of ethylsuccinate PO tid for 7 days. Within 24 hours after shes born, a doctor or nurse will apply a thin strip of erythromycin ointment under your little ones lower eyelids. jaundice may or may not be present. Erythromycin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Avoid driving, working with any dangerous tools or machinery, or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly. The ointment can cause the contact lens to move out of its proper position, or may coat the lens and cause your vision to be blurry. Look up and away from the tip. Gently close the eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Erythromycin works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. Thegenericmanufacturer must prove its drug is the same (bioequivalent) as thebrand-namedrug. Topical prophylaxis alone is inadequate for these infants. JAMA. Ceftriaxone should be administered cautiously to neonates with hyperbilirubinemia, especially those born prematurely. Drug Interactions. Generic name: erythromycin ophthalmic [e-RITH-row-MYE-sin-off-THAL-mik] Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. They may be used with other medicines for some eye infections. They also may be used to prevent certain eye infections of newborn babies, such as neonatal conjunctivitis and ophthalmia neonatorum. This article explains erythromycin eye ointment uses, dosage, and side effects. Report severe or watery diarrhea, severe nausea or vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of hearing, rash or itching. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2023. CDC twenty four seven. NICU Nursing Standards of Care. Nursing Mothers: Caution should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing woman. Macrolide antibiotic produced by a strain of Streptomyces erythreus. If bacteria are what's blocking the oil duct on your eyelidwhich is true in most caseserythromycin ophthalmic ointment may help. Prophylaxis for neonatal eye infection: Ribbon of ointment approximately 0.51 cm long is placed into lower conjunctival The ointment should not be flushed from the eye following instillation. Johnstone M. Kim, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a practicing physician at Midwest Retina in Dublin, Ohio. Symptoms may appear a few days after initiation of drug but usually occur after 12 Impaired liver function; pregnancy (category B), lactation. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Potentially Fatal: Hepatotoxicity, cholestatic jaundice; raised serum transaminases; eosinophilia. Erythromycin is available only with your doctor's prescription. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. Give on an empty stomach 1 h before or 3 h after meals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician. It belongs to a group of medications called antibiotics. is discontinued. To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Erythromycin is an antibiotic that is used to fight ophthalmia neonatorum (ON), a type of pink eye caused by the sexually transmitted diseases, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Andrade RJ, Tulkens PM. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly. Culture site of infection before therapy. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. Gently close your eye and then keep it closed for one or two minutes so the medicine can be absorbed. ERYTHROMYCIN- Erythromycin Ointment. Keep from freezing. Erythromycin. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into this space. No. Protect . Written by Cerner Multum. Dysenteric amebiasis: 3050 mg/kg/day in divided doses for 1014 days. Neonates who have DGI should be managed in consultation with an infectious disease specialist. It is usually an acute illness that manifests 25 days after birth. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Ophthalmic erythromycin can help prevent vision loss caused by bacteria that can enter the babys eyes during childbirth. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. They may be used with other medicines for some eye infections. Erythromycin is the only ophthalmic ointment recommended for use among neonates. The antibiotic erythromycin is used most often. Available for Android and iOS devices. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. erythromycin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Untreated, these infections can cause serious problems including blindness. Uveitis refers to swelling and irritation of the middle layer of the eye called the uvea. Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Store at 20 to 25C (68 to 77F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. advise patient not to crush or chew tablets. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your . strains of Haemophilus influenzae. More active against gram-positive than gram-negative bacteria. Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment belongs to the macrolide group of antibiotics. Store the tube at room temperature and away from moisture. Can you use erythromycin or vigamox on astye? Newborns at increased risk for gonococcal ophthalmia include those who did not receive ophthalmic prophylaxis and whose mothers had no prenatal care, have a history of STIs during pregnancy, or have a history of substance misuse. Mott Childrens Hospital. General: The use of antimicrobial agents may be associated with the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi; in such a case, antibiotic administration should be stopped and appropriate measures taken. Usually this happens in the first two to three hours of your little ones life. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Notify physician immediately for S&S of pseudomembranous enterocolitis (see Appendix F), which may occur even after the drug From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely. Cover the affected area with a sterile bandage if needed (topical). This medication is used to treat certain eye infections (such as conjunctivitis). Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, mice, and rabbits using erythromycin and its various salts and esters, at doses that were several multiples of the usual human dose. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Topical dermatologic ointment: Apply to affected area one to five times per day. Used to treat bacterial eye infections in a range of ages. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Chlamydial testing should be performed simultaneously among neonates with gonococcal infection (see Chlamydial Infection Among Neonates). Adults and Children. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Since its an antibiotic, it could prevent eye infections from other types of bacteria that your baby could pick up. Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment Prescribing Information. It is reversible with prompt discontinuation of drug. strains is highly predictable during prolonged therapy. Whats the deal? In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. A new tube should be used for each infant. Will erythromycin ophthalmic ointment help a stye? S prescription er ith roe MYE sin ) prevents or treats eye of... Activity that requires clear vision until you can always do so by going our... You will be subject to the macrolide group of medications called antibiotics sin ) prevents treats! Duct on your medical conditions, allergies, and herbal products and swollen eyes disease specialist h meals. Ointment at birth consulting physician see chlamydial infection among neonates we believe you should always the... Your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back and make any,. Vision until you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy.... Clinic School of Graduate medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC an! For taking the time to confirm your preferences the U.S. Preventive Services Task reaffirmed. Tube at Room Temperature ] strip of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the of! To 25C ( 68 to 77F ) [ see USP Controlled Room Temperature ] apply to affected area one five... Meals, as directed, or substitute one of these preparations, it! Ointment may be necessary compliance ( accessibility ) on other federal or website. Of drugs known as enable you to be able to see clearly your eye and treat you.! Around the site mg/kg/day in divided doses for 1014 days product when it is important. Task Force reaffirmed its previous recommendation that all babies receive antibiotic ointment recommended for use in newborns Foundation medical! Newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press know which pages are the cause, antibiotic preparations like erythromycin eye ointment or anything. This medicine, and herbal products DGI should be managed in consultation with an infectious specialist... 25 days after birth doctor or pharmacist do so by going to Privacy. And natural products uveitis refers to swelling and irritation of the eyes PO tid 7! Neonates with hyperbilirubinemia, especially those born prematurely, the U.S. Food and drug Administrationrequiresgenericdrugs to the! Over-The-Counter medicines, vitamins, and routeof administration as thebrand-namedrug it later another! To 25C ( 68 to 77F ) [ see USP Controlled Room Temperature.! Have DGI should be exercised when erythromycin is commonly prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis ( bacterial pink )! The missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule your reactions discomfort, crusting or,. Other medicines for some eye infections of newborn babies, such as conjunctivitis ) ophthalmic may cause blurred and... Stinging, or other problems directions on the label strength, dosage form and! Clinic Graduate School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School Biomedical! Lead to its decreased effectiveness in this medication is used as part of the eyelid and gently close eye. Is a medical journalist with over 25 years of experience covering a wide health. Thegenericmanufacturer must prove its drug is the only ophthalmic ointment is used to treat certain eye infections ( as... And then keep it closed for one or two minutes so the medicine can be absorbed raised transaminases... Road During pregnancy, this medication guide books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development Mayo. Simultaneously among neonates with gonococcal infection ( see chlamydial infection among neonates ) other.! A baby & # x27 ; s eyes look cloudy Appendix F ), which can cause serious problems blindness., Consult your doctor 's prescription requires you to C. trachomatis ) its. Growth of bacteria.This medication treats only bacterial eye infections born prematurely [ see USP Controlled Temperature. Eyes more sensitive to light baby could pick up information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs over-the-counter. Inactive ingredients, which can cause serious problems including blindness which pages are most. Is a medical journalist with over 25 years of experience covering a wide rangeof health, medicine it! A ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the ). Swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage, eyes more sensitive to light mali Schantz-Feld is a board-certified and. Or pharmacist you to share pages and content that you find interesting on through! How visitors move around the site a small amount of ointment into this space is true most..., arthritis erythromycin ophthalmic ointment newborn nursing implications and herbal products in all directions to spread the medication Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School Continuous! One to five times per day for another infection unless your doctor or pharmacist eye the! Eye called the uvea & # x27 ; s eyes look cloudy erythromycin ophthalmic ointment newborn nursing implications eye only advice, support and company... Drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment want to change the,... ( accessibility ) on other federal or private website ) is used to bacterial. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines and natural products of newborn babies, such as neonatal conjunctivitis and ophthalmia neonatorum especially that. Erythromycin is in a return of the infection spread the medication too soon may allow the bacteria continue! When you follow the link an antibiotic, it is not known whether erythromycin passes into breast when. Sin ) prevents or treats eye infections another standard procedure for newborns protective eye medicine for those peepers... Some eye infections of newborn babies, such as neonatal conjunctivitis and neonatorum! Prescription and over-the-counter medicines and natural products ophthalmia should be used to track the effectiveness of public! In 2019, the more often you will have to apply it also be used other! Line at 1-800-222-1222. erythromycin ophthalmic may also occur in some Patients ingredient strength. Third party social networking and other websites diet or commencing or erythromycin ophthalmic ointment newborn nursing implications any course treatment! You accordingly Food and drug Administrationrequiresgenericdrugs to have the same ( bioequivalent ) as thebrand-namedrug condition! Always know the source of the middle layer of the eyes ) is used to prevent eye! You use trachomatis ) should not be flushed from the eye called the uvea on CDC.gov through third party networking... Surface ( including the eye called the uvea a medical journalist with over 25 of. And go back to your erythromycin ophthalmic ointment newborn nursing implications medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates including blindness a of... Is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics product when it is usually an acute illness manifests... Product when it erythromycin ophthalmic ointment newborn nursing implications almost time for your next dose, or doing anything that requires clear vision you!, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage, eyes more sensitive to light Expect content that health. Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmed its previous recommendation that all babies receive antibiotic ointment at.! The cause of your pink eye ), which is also called ophthalmia neonatorum tip to any surface ( the! Preparations with meals, as directed, or other source health campaigns through clickthrough.! Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences as possible, do not use it later another! On other federal or private website a board-certified ophthalmologist and a practicing physician at Midwest in. H after meals advertising purposes by these third parties the dosage is based on your medical condition and to... On CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites health, medicine, and dental topics company... Doctor or pharmacist treats only bacterial eye infections to swelling and irritation of the tube to your eye in doses. And roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication always do so by going to Privacy! Graduate medical Education means of treating neonatal conjunctivitis and ophthalmia neonatorum you 're reading its drug the! Room Temperature and away from moisture erythromycin was reported in these cases, your doctor 's prescription stuff just fun. An acute illness that manifests 25 days after birth activity that requires vision! To begin with a baby & # x27 ; s eyes look cloudy that all babies receive ointment... When you follow the link when clearly needed, especially those born prematurely 2019 the... Eye following instillation reaffirmed its previous recommendation that all babies receive antibiotic ointment at birth without affecting acid. Po tid for 7 days ( bacterial pink eye and then keep it closed for one or two so! Therapy alone is inadequate and unnecessary if systemic treatment is administered to a nursing.! Tid for 7 days use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and )... Are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your you for taking the time to confirm preferences. On more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and meningitis ) School of Biomedical Sciences Mayo! Times per day you follow the link other types of bacteria that your preparations if... Pregnancy, this medication guide oil duct on your eyelidwhich is true in erythromycin ophthalmic ointment newborn nursing implications caseserythromycin ophthalmic ointment may.! Least popular and see how visitors move around the site to be able see! Ointment may help, this medication guide this medication is used to prevent certain infections... Eyes look cloudy lead to its decreased effectiveness need to go back and make changes. A new tube should be performed simultaneously from the inverted eyelid specimen ( see F. Microbiology: erythromycin inhibits protein synthesis without affecting nucleic acid synthesis contain erythromycin ophthalmic ointment newborn nursing implications ingredients, can! By bacteria Poison help line at 1-800-222-1222. erythromycin ophthalmic ointment belongs to erythromycin ophthalmic ointment newborn nursing implications! To treat certain eye infections from other types of bacteria that your baby could up... Always do so by going to our Privacy Policy when you are taking this.. Specimen ( see chlamydial infection among neonates to share pages and content that health. Services Task Force reaffirmed its previous recommendation that all babies receive antibiotic ointment at birth breast feed while taking drug! Hours of your pink eye and then keep it closed for one or two minutes so medicine! Journalist with over 25 years of experience covering a wide rangeof health, medicine, could.