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Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment in Short Supply. Drug is Only Approved Product for Ophthalmia Neonatorum Prophylaxis
American Family Physician, 09/09/09

The shortage was caused by a change in manufacturers, and the agency is working with drug makers to increase the supply of erythromycin (0.5%) ophthalmic ointment. The FDA notes that Fera Pharmaceuticals recently acquired the rights to the product and is working to make the ointment available. Bausch & Lomb also manufactures the product and is working to increase production. The CDC letter urges physicians to take the following steps:

• review supplies of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment routinely;
• reserve existing supplies of the ointment for neonatal prophylactic use;
• for normal replacement supplies, contact the wholesale distributor directly;
• for severely low supplies, contact the wholesale distributor or call Bausch & Lomb customer service at (800) 323–0000; and
• in circumstances where a recommended regimen is not available, mothers should be tested for chlamydial infection and gonorrhea before delivery, and results should be obtained as soon as possible.

The use of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment also protects infants from ocular infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. The CDC noted in its Aug. 31 letter to physicians that tetracycline ophthalmic ointment (1%) and silver nitrate (1%) aqueous solution – which also were recommended for prophylaxis against ophthalmia neonatorum in STD treatment guidelines the CDC issued in 2002 – now are no longer available in the United States. CDC officials are consulting with experts "to provide alternate recommendations for extreme situations where erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is not available

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