Acute allergic reaction caused by topical azithromycin eye drops: A report of two cases

Azithromycin 1.5% ophthalmic solution (Azyter®, Thea Pharmaceuticals, Newcastle, UK) is an effective and well-tolerated option for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis, and has the advantage of a shorter treatment duration than other topical antibiotics. No acute allergic reaction has yet been reported in response to topical azithromycin eye drops. Here, we report two cases with unusual acute-type allergic reaction to topical azithromycin eye drops. A 63-year-old female patient and 67-year-old male patient treated for blepharitis with topical azithromycin 1.5% eye drops presented with epiphora, eyelid edema, chemosis, conjunctival injection, hyperemia, intensive papillary reaction, and rhinitis within 30 min of instillation. Upon cessation of the topical medication and administration of antiallergic therapy, both patients immediately showed dramatic improvement. Acute-type allergic reaction to topical azithromycin eye drops may be a rare side effect, but ophthalmologists should keep this possibility in mind and inform the patients about its potential occurrence.