Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment 1%

What is Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment?

Chloramphenicol eye ointment is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping to clear up the infection and relieve associated symptoms such as redness, swelling, and discharge.

Conjunctivitis symptoms

Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that can be caused by viruses and bacteria, it is important to note that Chloramphenicol can only treat bacterial conjunctivitis as it is an antibiotic and will not help with viral conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can go away on its own without treatment, but Chloramphenicol can help clear bacterial conjunctivitis in a few days. Conjunctivitis symptoms include:

• Redness in one or both eyes.
• Itchiness in one or both eyes.
• A gritty feeling in one or both eyes.

Sticky discharge or crusted eyelids can occur with bacterial conjunctivitis, but symptoms alone do not confirm its cause. Ask a pharmacist whether this treatment is appropriate. Seek medical advice for eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, an eye injury or marked swelling.

How to use Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment

Using the ointment is simple and straightforward:

1. Wash your hands to prevent bacteria getting into your eyes.
2. Tilt your head backwards.
3. Gently pull down your lower eyelid.
4. Hold the tube close to your eye without touching it.
5. Squeeze a small amount (about 1 cm) of the ointment into the pocket you have made using your lower eyelid.
6. Close your eyes and blink a few times to help the ointment spread over your eye.
7. Repeat for your other eye if needed.
8. Perform the above 3–4 times daily (about every 4–6 hours) for a five-day course, even if symptoms improve sooner.

For adults and children aged two and over. Do not use if you or a family member has a history of blood or bone-marrow disorders, or you previously developed blood problems while taking chloramphenicol. Tell the pharmacist about other eye medicines or treatments affecting the bone marrow.

Contact-lens wearers need advice before treatment. Wear glasses during the course; wait at least 24 hours after finishing before using soft lenses again. Do not drive until any blurred vision has cleared.

Seek medical advice immediately if symptoms worsen or are not improving within 48 hours. Do not continue beyond the five-day course or repeat it without medical advice.

Conjunctivitis treatment

To help treat your conjunctivitis you should also:

• Wash your hands regularly with warm soapy water.
• Wash your pillow cases and face cloths in hot water and detergent.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and put used tissues in the bin.
• Do not share towels and pillows.
• Do not rub your eyes.
• If only one eye is infected avoid touching it and then touching your other eye as it can pass the infection to your other eye.
• Throw away and replace any eye or face makeup you used while infected

Side effects

Possible short-lived side effects include:

• Stinging or burning in your eye
• Blurred vision

These side effects should go away after a few minutes, if any persist longer than this discontinue use and contact a healthcare professional.
If you find after using the ointment you bruise more easily, get infections more easily, feel especially tired or weak immediately discontinue use and contact 111 or your GP for further advice. Rare blood disorders have also been reported with eye preparations.

Alternatives

Chloramphenicol also comes as eye drops; ask your local pharmacy about storage and which formulation suits you. Brolene Eye Drops contain an antiseptic rather than an antibiotic and are not an automatic substitute. A pharmacist can help select the appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use Chloramphenicol eye ointment while pregnant?

  Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using this ointment during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The linked product leaflet advises use only when your doctor considers it essential.

• Can you buy Chloramphenicol eye ointment over the counter?

  It is a pharmacy-only medicine, so it will require a short consultation with a pharmacist to make sure the treatment is right for you before it can be bought.

• How often should I use Chloramphenicol eye ointment?

  When used alone, apply about 1 cm inside the lower eyelid of each affected eye 3–4 times daily for five days. If using chloramphenicol drops by day, the ointment may be used at bedtime as directed. Seek medical advice immediately if your eyes worsen or are not improving within 48 hours. Do not repeat a course without advice.

• Does Chloramphenicol eye ointment expire?

  Yes, always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers the end of the month.

• How long can I keep Chloramphenicol eye ointment for when it has been opened?

  Dispose of the tube after completing the five-day course rather than keeping it for another infection. Once opened it must not be kept for more than 28 days. Take unwanted medicine to a pharmacy.

• Can Chloramphenicol eye ointment be used in children?

  The retail ointment is for adults and children aged two and over. Children under two need medical assessment and prescribed treatment if appropriate.