Storage
active substance: tetracycline hydrochloride;

1 g of ointment contains 10.82 mg of tetracycline hydrochloride (equivalent to 10 mg of tetracycline);

auxiliary substances: lanolin, soft white paraffin.

Medicinal form
Eye ointment.

Main physico-chemical properties: ointment of homogeneous consistency from yellowish to yellow color.

Pharmacotherapeutic group
Agents acting on the senses. Means used in ophthalmology. Antimicrobial agents. Antibiotics. ATX code S01A A09.

Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics.

A bacteriostatic antibiotic from the group of tetracyclines. Disrupts the formation of a complex between the transport RNA and the ribosome, which leads to a violation of protein synthesis.

Active against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms - Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus epidemicus, (Streptococcus pyogenes), Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus ducreyi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Francisella tularensis (Pasteurella tularensis), Yersinia pestis (Pasteurella pestis) , Escherichia coli, Bacillus anthracis, as well as Chlamydia trachomatis.

It is effective against some strains of Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella spp., Aerobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens.

Pharmacokinetics.

With local application, systemic absorption is low.

Indication
Infectious eye diseases: conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, trachoma.

Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to tetracycline or to antibiotics similar to it (doxycycline, metacycline, oxytetracycline) and auxiliary substances specified in the "Composition" section. Fungal diseases, lupus erythematosus, deep or puncture wounds, severe burns, long-term use for liver or kidney diseases, leukopenia. Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Children's age up to 8 years.

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
With local ophthalmic use of tetracycline, it should be borne in mind that its bacteriostatic action can interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins, cephalosporins and aminoglycosides. Their simultaneous use, both local and systemic, should be avoided.

The use of tetracycline in patients using a contact lens solution containing 0.004% thiomersal has been associated with eye reactions of varying severity (eye redness, irritation, blepharitis), so their simultaneous use should be avoided.

Simultaneous ophthalmic use of tetracycline and local corticosteroids should be avoided (see the section "Peculiarities of use").

To increase the activity, it is possible to use together with erythromycin, oleandomycin, drugs of the nitrofuran series.

Features of use
If the patient's condition has not improved within a few days of use, it is necessary to consult a doctor about further use of the drug.

Simultaneous ophthalmic use of tetracycline and local corticosteroids (dexamethasone, prednisolone, hydrocortisone) should be avoided due to the possibility of masking clinical signs of bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Corticosteroids may suppress hypersensitivity reactions to tetracycline.

Like other antibacterial drugs, long-term use of tetracycline can lead to overgrowth of non-susceptible strains or fungi. In case of superinfection, appropriate treatment is recommended.

Due to the possible development of photodermatoses (increased photosensitivity when using antibiotics of the tetracycline class), it should not be used in case of exposure to sunlight or UV radiation.

The use of tetracycline should be stopped at the first appearance of skin rashes or other signs of hypersensitivity.

Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have an eye infection.

Since the drug contains lanolin as an auxiliary substance, it can cause local skin reactions (for example, contact dermatitis).

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The effectiveness and safety of the drug during pregnancy or breastfeeding have not been sufficiently studied, so the drug should not be used in this category of patients.

The ability to influence the speed of reaction when driving vehicles or other mechanisms.

As with all ophthalmic products, temporary blurring of vision or other visual disturbances may occur, which may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. Until the clarity of vision is restored, patients should refrain from driving vehicles and working with other mechanisms.

Method of application and dosage
Dosage.

Depending on the severity of the condition, a strip of eye ointment 1–1.5 cm long is applied to the fold of the conjunctiva of the lower eyelid 3–4 times a day, in more severe cases – up to 6 times a day.

The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor and is usually 5 to 7 days. After the relief of symptoms, the treatment should be continued for another 2-3 days. For more serious eye infections, acute or chronic trachoma, the course of treatment 

I can last up to 1-2 months, while tetracycline can be combined with oral antibiotic.

When used simultaneously with other ophthalmic drugs, the interval between applications should be at least 10 minutes, eye ointment should be applied last.

It is very important to observe hygiene when applying the eye ointment, so the tip of the tube should not touch the eyes or surrounding surfaces.

Application method.

1. A strip of eye ointment (1–1.5 cm) is carefully applied to the conjunctival sac of the affected eye so that the tip of the tube does not touch the eyelids or surrounding surfaces.

2. Close the eyelids for 1–2 minutes and move the eyeball in different directions to transfer the medicine over the entire surface.

3. Remove excess ointment from the eyelids and eyelashes with a clean napkin. Wipe the tip of the tube with another frequent napkin and close it tightly.

4. If it is necessary to apply tetracycline in the other eye, repeat all the described steps.

Children.

Do not use for the treatment of children under 8 years of age.

Overdose
With local application, cases of overdose have not been described.

Side effects
The following side effects of moderate severity have been reported and resolve rapidly after discontinuation of treatment.

On the part of the organs of vision: blurred vision, burning sensation, sharp pain, itching of the eyes or eyelids, hyperemia of the conjunctiva, swelling of the eyelids, increased lacrimation and pain in the eyes.

From the side of the immune system: local allergic reactions - dermatitis, rash, itching, photodermatitis (increased sensitivity to sunlight and UV radiation); generalized allergic reactions, including rash, Quincke's edema, itching and swelling of the face, tongue, throat, dizziness, shortness of breath. In such cases, the use of the ointment should be stopped.

From the gastrointestinal tract: decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, possible inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the tongue, stomatitis, gastritis, proctitis.

Expiration date
3 years.

Storage conditions
Store at a temperature not higher than 25 ̊С.

Keep out of the reach of children