Tetracycline ointment (Tetracycline) for children's eyes. Instructions for use, reviews

Tetracycline ointment is an effective local antibacterial drug that helps to suppress the activity of microbes that provoke eye diseases of inflammatory origin. The tool can be used for children and adults if characteristic symptoms occur. It is considered effective and relatively safe when used correctly.

Release form

The medication is sold as a topical ointment. It has a standard consistency, yellowish color and a specific weak aroma. The color of the product may be darker, which is not considered a reason to refuse to use it.

The medicine is placed in small aluminum tubes. Each tube may contain 3, 7 or 10 g of external drug. The tube is placed in small cardboard boxes. In the boxes you can find ointment and a description, which contains all the recommendations for use.

Chemical composition

Tetracycline ointment for children's eyes can be used for inflammatory pathologies due to the presence of tetracycline in the composition as the main active component. The concentration of the active substance is 1%.

The composition of the drug includes auxiliary ingredients in the form of petroleum jelly and anhydrous lanolin. These components ensure the correct consistency of the drug while maintaining the temperature regime.

Pharmacological properties

The drug has pronounced antibacterial properties, since the active ingredient belongs to antibacterial substances. The activity of the agent is manifested against different types of bacteria.

When applied, not only antibacterial, but also anti-inflammatory effect is noted, since the destruction of bacteria leads to the gradual disappearance of signs of inflammation. The complex effect of the drug on the tissues makes it possible to achieve a pronounced therapeutic effect over a short period of time.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The antibacterial properties of the agent appear almost immediately after contact of the ointment with the tissues. Tetracycline has bacteriostatic properties, that is, it stops the reproduction of microbes, leads to the cleansing of tissues from their waste products.

The activity of the drug against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms is noted. The drug does not have bactericidal properties, that is, it does not help to immediately destroy bacteria. But the violation of protein metabolism in pathogenic cells leads to their rapid death.

The tool also has another effect on fabrics:

• Prevents the spread of the lesion to healthy tissues. This helps to avoid the development of complications against the background of the rapid progression of the disorder.
• Helps to cleanse the mucous membranes from the waste products of bacteria.
• Improves the general condition, which is associated with the elimination of pain, accompanying deviations from the visual apparatus.

When using the medicine, there is a rapid elimination of acute symptoms in the form of pain, redness, inflammation, lacrimation. The tool helps to get rid of tissue swelling, which is present in inflammatory eye pathology.

Topical application provides minimal systemic absorption of the component. When the cornea is damaged, the amount of tetracycline in the blood and the anterior chamber of the eye increases, which does not reduce the effectiveness and does not lead to the accumulation of ingredients in the body.

The tool acts quite quickly after application. Despite this, it is necessary to use for a certain time to exclude the likelihood of re-development of inflammation over a short period of time.

When a certain amount of tetracycline enters the bloodstream, it is processed in the patient's liver, followed by excretion of metabolites with the help of the kidneys. Depending on the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient's body, pharmacokinetic features may vary.

Indications for use

Tetracycline ointment for the eyes of children and adults can be used if certain pathologies of inflammatory origin are detected.

The main indications for the appointment:

• Conjunctivitis of bacterial origin, accompanied by the formation of pus, lacrimation and swelling of the eyes.
• Blepharitis at various stages of development.
• Chlamydial lesions of the visual apparatus.
• Keratitis provoked by bacteria sensitive to the active substance of the agent.
• Barley and pathologies, the course of which resembles the symptoms of this condition.
• Trachoma at different stages of development.

Sometimes the drug is used as part of the complex treatment of other diseases, but the decision is made by the ophthalmologist after examination.

Contraindications

Like other antibacterial agents, the drug has contraindications for therapy. The main and most important is intolerance. of any ingredient in the composition, but other obstacles should be considered:

• Inflammatory diseases of the visual apparatus, provoked by microorganisms that are not sensitive to the main substance. In this case, the treatment does not work, but it can provoke the progression of the disease.
• Severe injuries to the cornea and mucous membranes of the eyelids, which are accompanied by bleeding and lead to intensive absorption of the components of the composition into the blood, increasing the concentration of ingredients in the systemic blood flow.
• The period of gestation and breastfeeding. The tool has teratogenic properties, that is, it leads to impaired fetal development when used during pregnancy. Despite minimal systemic absorption, use is strongly discouraged.
• Severe heart failure, arrhythmias.
• Acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident. The medicine is allowed to be used only after elimination of acute symptoms.
• Viral eye damage. The use of antibacterial medicines in this case can only worsen the condition, provoke the spread of viral inflammation to healthy areas.

On an individual basis, the ophthalmologist during the examination can determine other contraindications that are absent in the official instructions.

At what age can the drug be used?

Tetracycline ointment is only used to treat the eyes of children over 8 years of age. At an earlier age, the use is contraindicated.

After an ophthalmological examination, on an individual basis, a specialist can prescribe the drug to children under 8 years of age, but in short courses and under supervision.

Instructions for use, dosage

The medicine is intended only for topical use as directed by an ophthalmologist. The treatment regimen often differs depending on the disease.

Disease	Features of the use of the drug
Blepharitis	When diagnosing such a violation, the agent is used within 7 days. The ointment according to the standard scheme is laid for the lower eyelid in a minimum amount of 4 times a day. The break between applications should be at least 4 hours.
Conjunctivitis and keratitis	Treatment of such a disorder is carried out within 5 days. In the day, the laying of the ointment for the lower eyelid is carried out 3 times with equal time intervals. Sometimes therapy is extended up to 7 days.
Trachoma	Trachoma therapy lasts up to 2 weeks, but the ointment must be applied every 2 hours in case of an acute course of the disorder. After elimination of acute manifestations, it is allowed to apply the ointment every 4 hours. Discontinuation of therapy should be agreed with an ophthalmologist.
Barley	The use of the medication in this case is carried out until the symptoms disappear. Usually 2 weeks are enough for this, but often the manifestations disappear after 7 days. The tool is used only before bedtime, a small amount is applied to the lower eyelid, after which the eye is carefully closed for 20 minutes.

The ointment is always placed behind the lower eyelid in a minimal amount, which is distributed over the tissues after closing the eye. It is allowed to gently massage the eyelids for 10 seconds for better distribution of the composition.

Before use, it is important to study the instructions, to clarify the absence of contraindications. After the first use, it is necessary to observe the condition of the eyes and tissues. Lack of effect within 4 days is considered a reason for repeated referral to an ophthalmologist.

Adults and children over 8 years old use the medicine in the same way. On an individual basis, the characteristics of treatment may vary.

Side effects

Tetracycline ointment for children's eyes is considered relatively safe, but it can provoke complications, even if all recommendations are followed.

Frequent negative reactions:

• Temporary deterioration in the quality of vision with prolonged use. Patients talk about the appearance of a veil before the eyes, which disappears a few days after discontinuation of therapy.
• Swelling of the eyelids. Usually, such a reaction develops with an increased sensitivity of tissues to the components of the composition.
• Redness of the eyes that does not go away after stopping the use of the medication.
• Pain when blinking. Sometimes patients talk about the appearance of such a symptom in the morning, but often it manifests itself throughout the day.
• The spread of symptoms to the skin of the face, limbs. Usually, this is observed with allergies to the constituent drugs. Patients report a rash on the hands and face. With continued use of the product, it spreads to the body, lower limbs. The rash is accompanied by itching and irritation, patients scratching the affected area, which only worsens the condition, as the top layer of the skin is damaged.
• Swelling of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages, mouth, throat. With such violations, the patient may have difficulty breathing, suffocation develops, which can threaten the patient's life.

Negative symptoms only sometimes affect the work of internal organs. Symptoms usually occur against the background of the progression of the allergic reaction. Patients may report nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbances. Weakness, fatigue, deterioration in concentration is observed when the drug is used for long courses.

Overdose

Cases of drug overdose have not been recorded by specialists, even with prolonged use of the drug. Despite this, it is forbidden to use the remedy without a prescription, increase the dose or prolong the course.

If negative reactions appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Most often, special treatment is not required, but sometimes the patient is prescribed antiallergic drugs to eliminate the symptoms.

special instructions

Tetracycline ointment for children's eyes should only be used for the period specified by the pediatric ophthalmologist. Compliance with all hygiene rules is considered a prerequisite for the procedure. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the ointment.

It is recommended that a child or adult be in a comfortable position during the manipulation. It is allowed to sit or lie down. In an upright position, it is not recommended to lay the ointment, as damage to the cornea and mucous membranes is possible.

It is important to observe approximately equal intervals between manipulations in order to ensure an even effect on the tissues throughout the day. Patients who wear contact lenses should remove them before applying the ointment. Ophthalmologists recommend discarding lenses during therapy to reduce the likelihood of worsening symptoms.

Drug interactions

When using the ointment, you should not use drugs with the same properties and composition. This can provoke complications and acute allergic reactions. The ointment does not affect the action of systemic agents, so they can be used if necessary.

If the patient uses any eye drops on an ongoing basis or in long courses, it is worth informing the doctor about this. It may be necessary to stop using them for the duration of treatment.

Analogs

Tetracycline ointment for children's eyes is considered the best option for many diseases of inflammatory origin.

If it is impossible to use it, the specialist selects an analogue with similar properties:

• Erythromycin contains the active ingredient of the same name, is available in the form of an ointment for topical use. Despite the other active component, which belongs to the macrolide group, the drug has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helps to eliminate inflammation, redness and itching. The medicine is used for barley, trachoma, conjunctivitis of bacterial origin. It usually helps to eliminate manifestations within 5-7 days after the start of use. The cost of an analogue is affordable and is approximately 60-70 rubles.
• Floxal - ophthalmic ointment based on ofloxacin, which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. The drug is active against many gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, which makes it effective in the fight against blepharitis, keratitis and conjunctivitis. Prescribe the drug to children over 3 years old and adults when certain symptoms appear. Like the original, the medicine is not used for intolerance to the components of the composition, as well as viral diseases of the visual apparatus. The price of an external remedy is 140-230 rubles.
• Tobrex has an effect due to the presence of tobramycin in the composition as the main active substance. The medicine is available in the form of a specific gel, which is placed behind the lower eyelid when symptoms of conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis and some other pathologies appear. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the drug make it possible to eliminate symptoms within a few days, to prevent its progression. Unlike other analogues, Tobrex has a high cost, which reaches 300 rubles. for a tube.
• Tsiprolet available in the form of eye drops, but has pronounced antibacterial properties due to the presence of ciprofloxacin in the composition as the main active ingredient. The medicine is prescribed for children and adults, but it has contraindications, it can provoke complications. Despite the different composition, the tool is considered effective and relatively safe when used correctly. The cost of the substitute ranges from 90-150 rubles.

Any of the analogs should be prescribed after a preliminary examination. When prescribing, the doctor does not take into account the cost, but observes the patient's reaction to one or another component of the substitute. Sometimes drugs in the form of drops are considered a preferable option for the patient, since they are easier to use, they distribute more quickly through the tissues.

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

The local antibacterial agent is sold freely at different pharmacies, making it easier to obtain.

The storage period is 3 years, but after opening the bottle, the medication must be used within 3 months. After the expiration date, treatment with ointment is prohibited.

Price

The cost of a tube of ointment differs depending on its volume. The average price ranges from 50-70 rubles.

Tetracycline ointment is a popular antibacterial agent that is actively used to treat the eyes of children when symptoms of inflammatory diseases occur. The drug is effective, quickly eliminates the symptoms of pathologies, and prevents the development of complications. Using the medication according to the rules can significantly reduce the risk of negative reactions.

Video about tetracycline ointment

Tetracycline ointment description and instructions: