Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin eye drops and ointment)

How does it work?

Chloromycetin eye drops (Redidrops) and Chloromycetin eye ointment both contain the active ingredient chloramphenicol, which is a type of medicine called an antibiotic. Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. (NB. Chloramphenicol eye drops and ointment are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Chloramphenicol is known as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it is effective against infections caused by a wide variety of bacteria.

Chloramphenicol works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins that are essential to them. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, replicate and increase in numbers. Chloramphenicol therefore controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection, and the remaining bacteria die or are killed by the body's immune system. This treats the infection.

Chloramphenicol is administered into the eye to treat a type of eye infection called bacterial conjunctivitis, which can be caused by various types of bacteria. Putting the medicine directly into the eye allows the chloramphenicol to act directly on the bacteria that are causing the infection.

What is it used for?

• Inflammation of the eye caused by a bacterial infection (bacterial conjunctivitis).

Warning!

• This medicine must not be taken by mouth.
• When using the eye drops or eye ointment you should take care to not touch the tip of the dropper or tube to any surface, or to your eye, in order to avoid contaminating the medicine.
• Chloromycetin drops and ointment may cause your vision to blur temporarily after you have applied them into your eye. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has worn off.
• You should not wear contact lenses while you are using Chloromycetin to treat an eye infection.
• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is important that you finish the prescribed course of this antibiotic medicine, even if it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotic.
• Do not use Chloromycetin for longer than prescribed by your doctor, as it could possibly become less effective or produce allergic reactions if used over a long period of time.
• Seek medical advice immediately if your symptoms get worse at any point during treatment, or if you think you have new infection.
• Chloromycetin redidrops should be stored in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C. Chloromycetin eye ointment can be kept out of the fridge, provided the temperature does not exceed 25°C. Keep out of the reach of children.
• Chloromycetin redidrops and ointment are sterile until opened. Any remaining medicine should be carefully disposed of four weeks after the first opening, as it is likely to be contaminated. You may find it helpful to write the date of first opening on the packet.

Use with caution in

• People with a personal or family history of abnormalities in the numbers of blood cells in the blood.
• People who have experienced problems with their blood cells during previous use of chloramphenicol.

Not to be used in

• Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used by pregnant women, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
• This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by women who are breastfeeding, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Burning or stinging sensation.
• Allergic reactions.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

If you are using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop washing away the first. Use eye gels or ointments last.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Brochlor	Golden eye antibiotic	Minims chloramphenicol
Optrex infected eyes

Chloramphenicol eye drops and ointment are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.