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Trifluridine vs. Erythromycin

Trifluridine (Viroptic) is an antiviral eye drop that treats inflammation caused by herpes infections in the eye. It's FDA approved for people 6 years and older. When you first start, the eye drops need to be used frequently, every 2 hours while you're awake, with a maximum of 9 drops per day. This medication comes in both brand-name and generic versions. The most common side effects include temporary burning or stinging when you apply the eye drops to your eye(s).

• Inflammation caused by herpes infections in the eye

• Mild, temporary burning or stinging (5%)
• Eyelid swelling (3%)

• Damage to eyes from long-term use
• Only for herpes eye infection
• Eye irritation

Erythromycin is an antibiotic that's used to treat a variety of infections caused by bacteria, including certain skin and respiratory infections. The dosage depends on the specific infection you're using it for. The most common side effects are related to the stomach, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Erythromycin comes in two forms that are taken by mouth: oral tablets and an oral suspension.

• Respiratory infections (including upper respiratory tract infection and lower respiratory tract infection)
• Listeria infection
• Skin infections
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Diphtheria infection
• Intestinal amebiasis
• Sexually-transmitted infections, STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis)
• Legionnaires’ Disease
• Prevention of rheumatic fever

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Anorexia

• Liver damage
• Life-threatening changes in your heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
• Syphilis in infants
• Severe diarrhea
• Interactions with other medications
• Worsening of myasthenia gravis
• Intestinal blockage in babies