Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment for Stye
For treatment of a stye (hordeolum), apply erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment approximately 1 cm in length directly to the affected eyelid margin 4 times daily for 7 days. 1
Dosing Specifics
- Application technique: Apply a ribbon of ointment approximately 1 cm in length directly to the infected eyelid margin 1
- Frequency: 4 times daily 1
- Duration: 7 days 1
- Maximum frequency: Up to 6 times daily may be used depending on severity of infection 1
Clinical Context for Staphylococcal Blepharitis
While the FDA labeling addresses "superficial ocular infections" broadly, styes are typically caused by staphylococcal bacteria affecting the eyelid margin. The evidence supports topical antibiotic ointment use for eyelid margin infections:
- Topical erythromycin ointment can be applied to eyelid margins one or more times daily or at bedtime for bacterial blepharitis, with treatment duration of a few weeks guided by severity and response 2
- Alternative topical options include bacitracin ointment with similar application patterns 2
- Topical antibiotics provide symptomatic relief and decrease bacterial load from the eyelid margin in anterior blepharitis 2
Important Caveats
- Treatment may need repetition: Intermittent courses using different antibiotics with different mechanisms of action can prevent resistant organism development 2
- Warm compresses: While not mentioned in the antibiotic guidelines, these are standard adjunctive therapy for styes in clinical practice
- Recurrent cases: Consider underlying staphylococcal blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction requiring more comprehensive eyelid hygiene measures 2