Chloramphenicol is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (an infection that causes redness and inflammation of the membranes covering the white part of the eyes).
Use Chloramphenicol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as an eye drop solution or ointment.
To use the eye drop solution, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards or lie down on your back. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye and do not blink for a moment.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 to treat the other eye, if needed.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
To use the eye ointment, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your hands before applying the ointment.
- With your index finger, pull the lower eyelid down the eye to form a pouch.
- Hold the tube with your other hand and place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment (about 1 cm unless otherwise stated) into the pouch.
- Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for a moment.
- Repeat steps 2 to 4 to treat the other eye, if needed.
- Wipe any excess ointment from the eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. With another clean tissue, wipe the tip of the tube clean.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the tube.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
Do not allow the tip of the eye drop bottle or eye ointment tube to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drop bottle or eye ointment tube immediately after use. If the eye drops or ointment becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
Do not share this medicine with anyone else.
Do not wear contact lenses while using Chloramphenicol.
Use Chloramphenicol at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Instil or apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to instil or apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Chloramphenicol or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have a history of bone marrow or blood problems as Chloramphenicol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following:
- any problems with your eyesight e.g. reduced sight, blurred vision or halos around lights, inflamed eye, cloudy pupil of the eyes, eyes that are sensitive to light, dry eyes, or if there is a foreign body in your eyes
- recently had eye surgery or laser treatment in the last 6 months
- recent eye infection or eye injury
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- pain inside the eye
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Chloramphenicol to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid use for more than 5 days. Prolonged use of this medicine is not advisable. Use only as instructed by your doctor.
Chloramphenicol may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: burning, stinging, and itching of the eyes.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using any other medicines in your eyes.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store the eye drops in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used. Store the eye ointment below 30°C. Protect from moisture.
Store away from the reach of children. Protect the eye drops or ointment from light.
Throw away any remaining eye drops or ointment after the 5-day course of treatment.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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