Pharmaceuticals are increasing for production of AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) 1 percent in the US and Canada in response to the manufacturing supply shortage of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%). Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is approved for prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum, a form of bacterial conjunctivitis that may be contracted by newborns during delivery. The ointment was placed on the FDA’s Drug Shortage list.