Can Erythromycin Be Used For a Corneal Abrasion?
JUN 26, 2013
Question:
Can erythromycin be used for a corneal abrasion?
Answer:
Topical antibiotics are prescribed after a corneal abrasion in order to prevent an infection, i.e., a corneal ulcer. They should be continued until the abrasion completely heals. Erythromycin, Bacitracin, or Polytrim are all good choices for routine corneal abrasions.
In patients who suffer a corneal abrasion in high-risk situations (such as in large, central abrasions; monocular patients; or from organic matter, i.e. sticks or fingernails), fluoroquinolones such as Moxifloxacin or Gatifloxacin are the recommended drug of choice.