Chloramphenicol is used to treat bacterial infection of the eye called conjunctivitis (redness and inflammation of the membranes covering the white part of 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:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upwards and instill the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes and do not blink for the next 30 seconds.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids or any other surface. Recap the eye drop immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
To use the eye ointment:
- 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 into the pouch.
- Let go of the eyelid and blink a few times to help spread the ointment over the eye.
- 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 share this medicine with anyone else.
If you are wearing soft contact lenses, remove it before 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.
Use 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 under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use 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 disorder 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 are sensitive to light, dry eyes or if there is a foreign body in your eyes
- recently had eye surgery or laser treatment
- increased pressure in the eye
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine 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.
Avoid alcohol.
Store the eye drop in the refrigerator, between 2-8 °C. Store the ointment below 25°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Store away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Throw away any remaining eye drops/ointment after the 5-day course of treatment.
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