Final answer:
Erythromycin is the drug applied to the eyes of newborns as a prophylactic agent against gonorrhea.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug that is applied to the eyes of newborns as a prophylactic agent against gonorrhea is erythromycin.
To prevent gonoccocal ophthalmia neonatorum, it is now common practice to apply antibacterial creams or drops, such as erythromycin, to the eyes of newborns shortly after birth. This preventative treatment is required by law in most hospitals because gonorrhea or other bacteria acquired during a vaginal delivery can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium that causes the STD gonorrhea. To prevent eye infections in newborns, it is important to administer prophylactic treatment using drugs like erythromycin.