Chloramphenicol 1% Eye Ointment

What is Chloramphenicol?

Chloramphenicol 1% Eye Ointment can be used by both adults and children to treat eye infections caused by bacterial conjunctivitis. The ointment contains an antibiotic that quickly kills bacteria in the eye.

Using Chloramphenicol eye ointment every 3 hours for up to 2 weeks clears up the infection directly at the source leaving your eyes feeling healthy and nourished.

What is Chloramphenicol eye ointment used for?

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that when applied directly to the eye, is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria getting into the eye or eyes. This can result in them becoming bloodshot, feeling like they are burning or feeling gritty. You may notice your eyes produce pus that sticks to lashes and that they are itchy and watery.

Conjunctivitis is a fairly common condition and in some cases can clear up without the need for any treatment. However, for some people, using Chloramphenicol can be very effective and noticeably improve the condition of their eyes within just a few days.

As chloramphenicol is an antibiotic, it is not suitable for treating eye infections that are not caused by bacteria - for example, viral eye infections.

How does Chloramphenicol work?

Chloramphenicol is the active ingredient contained within this ointment and is an antibiotic. When the ointment is applied directly to the eye it targets the bacteria that is present there.

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it will be effective against a variety of different infections caused by different types of bacteria. Chloramphenicol stops the growth of bacteria by stopping the bacteria from producing essential proteins. These proteins are necessary for the bacteria to reproduce. Using Chloramphenicol stops the bacteria from multiplying which allows the immune system to kill off all of the remaining bacteria.

How long should I use Chloramphenicol eye ointment?

You can use Chloramphenicol eye ointment for up to 14 days. You should continue to use the ointment until the eye appears normal and for 2 days afterwards to avoid the infection returning.

If you do not notice any improvement in the condition of your eye within 7 days you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice about further treatment options.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/chloramphenicol/
• https://www.college-optometrists.org/guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/conjunctivitis-bacterial-.html

Chloramphenicol Ointment warnings

Before using Chloramphenicol eye ointment please read the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the product packaging thoroughly for full details of warnings and precautions.

Do not use Chloramphenicol eye ointment if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients in this product
• You wear any type of contact lenses or you
• Anyone in your family have had blood or bone marrow problems

Take special care with Chloramphenicol eye ointment if you;

• Have visual disturbances
• You have severe pain in the eye
• You are sensitive to light
• If you eye is inflamed and you have a rash on your face or scalp
• Your eye looks cloudy
• The black or coloured part of the eye looks unusual
• You have a foreign body in the eye
• You have an eye infection that keeps recurring
• The pressure in your eye is raised
• You have dry eyes
• You have an eye injury or eye surgery
• You are currently using any other eye drops or ointment
• You have problems with your blood (in particular very low numbers of blood cells) after taking chloramphenicol.
• You take methotrexate and other cancer medicines
• You take medicines for the immune system such as azathioprine.

Chloramphenicol & pregnancy

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.

Chloramphenicol and driving

Do not drive or operate machines if you have blurred vision after using Chloramphenicol eye ointment. You should wait until this clears before driving or using machines.

Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment dosage

Chloramphenicol eye ointment can be used by children and adults over the age of 1-month-old. It should only be applied directly to the infected eye.

Always wash your hands before and after applying the eye ointment.

Dose for adults, children and infants of all age groups is as follows:

Apply a small amount (around 1 cm to the space between the lower eyelid and the eye) of ointment into the affected eye every 3 hours. Continue to use the ointment for 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared.

Do not use it for more than 14 days. If you do not notice your symptoms improving within the first 7 days, or they start to get worse, you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Avoid making contact between the eye drops dropper or the eye ointment tube tip with any surface, including eyes. This is to avoid contamination of the dropper that leads to re-infection of the eye.

There is no need to refrigerate Chloramphenicol eye ointment.

For full details on how to use Chloramphenicol eye ointment please read the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the product packaging thoroughly.

Chloramphenicol Ingredients

The active ingredients in Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment: Chloramphenicol 10 mg in a ml.

The inactive ingredients in Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment: liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin.

Please make sure you are familiar with the details contained within the Patient Information Leaflet before using this eye ointment.

Chloramphenicol Ointment side effects

Like other medication, Chloramphenicol eye ointment may cause some people to experience side effects. These are normally mild and localised to the eye which the ointment is applied.

Symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling of eyelids

If you are worried about these symptoms or they do not improve once you have stopped using the ointment you should speak to a doctor for advice.

If you experience any severe side effects or allergic reactions including difficulty breathing, high temperature or loss of consciousness you need to see a doctor immediately.

For full details about side effects, please read the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the product packaging thoroughly.