Chloramphenicol eye preparations

About chloramphenicol eye preparations

Chloramphenicol eye preparations work by killing bacteria that cause eye infections

Before using chloramphenicol eye preparations

Before using chloramphenicol eye preparations make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• if you wear soft contact lenses
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you or someone in your family has ever had a blood disease or bone marrow problems
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use chloramphenicol eye preparations

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with chloramphenicol.

EYE DROPS:

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap (or the tip of the vial if using single dose eye drops)
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye with the nozzle
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops
6. Close the eye, and keep the eye closed for a minute or two
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use chloramphenicol drops in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with anything, including the eye or the fingers
10. If you have been supplied the single dose eye drops, throw away the container straight away after use
11. Wash your hands
12. Chloramphenicol eye drops are usually used at least four times a day

EYE OINTMENT:

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the tube between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the tube upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the tube to release a thin line of ointment along the inside of the lower eye lid
6. Blink to spread the ointment around the inside of the eye
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use chloramphenicol ointment in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap on the tube, trying not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so
9. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use chloramphenicol eye preparations exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with chloramphenicol eye drops or ointment.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• When the eye appears normal again, there may still be some bacteria present.
  It is important to continue using chloramphenicol eye preparations for a further 48 hours after the eye appears normal, to ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed.
• Do not use chloramphenicol eye preparations more often, or for a longer period than your doctor had directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Strict attention to hygiene and cleanliness is important to prevent the infection spreading to other people.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household.
• Care must be taken to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.
• Chloramphenicol is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Chloramphenicol is for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any chloramphenicol, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Can chloramphenicol eye preparations cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The most common side effects of chloramphenicol eye preparations are shown below:

Very rarely, chloramphenicol eye preparations may cause bone marrow depression which may cause severe tiredness and bruising.
If you experience these or any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to chloramphenicol eye preparations, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store chloramphenicol eye preparations

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store Chloramphenicol Eye ointment in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Store Chloramphenicol Eye drops in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
• Discard the eye drops or eye ointment four weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines