Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment

Buy Chloramphenicol Online in the UK

Written by Clinical Pharmacist Tyson Wilkman

You can buy chloramphenicol eye ointment online from our UK registered online pharmacy service. Complete a short assessment and our pharmacy team will assess your request. If approved, your ointment will be sent to you by the Royal Mail service.

What is Chloramphenicol?

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used to kill bacteria that causes eye infections. Bacterial infections in the eye can cause inflammation, redness and a sticky discharge from the corner of the eye, often in the morning. This will often make your eye feel gritty and irritated. This is known as acute bacterial conjunctivitis. There are two varieties chloramphenicol eye drops or ointment. Ointment tends to remain in the affected eye for longer and can have a higher treatment success rate, although vision can be blurred temporarily after treatment.

How does Chloramphenicol work?

Chloramphenicol prevents bacteria from multiplying by attaching to a part of the bacteria that creates its proteins. This effectively stops the bacteria, allowing your immune system to clear the bacterial eye infection.

Dose

To use chloramphenicol ointment first wash your hands and open the tube. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down the lower eyelid. Very carefully apply 1cm of ointment along the lower eyelid. You may then close your eye which will spread the ointment around the affected eye. Repeat in the other eye if necessary if it is also infected. Close the tube and wash your hands thoroughly.

Repeat this process 3-4 times a day for five days. Always ensure you complete the 5-day course of treatment, avoid stopping treatment early as the infection may not be fully cleared and may return if you do so.

If symptoms do not improve or worsen within 2 days, consult a doctor or pharmacist. 

After applying the ointment to the eye, vision can be blurred. Ensure you do not undertake potentially dangerous activities when vision is blurred.

Suitable in adults and children above the age of 2.

Do not wear contact lenses while being treated and for 24 hours after completing treatment. Wearing contact lenses is not recommended in general when you suspect an eye infection. Use glasses during this time.

Chloramphenicol Summary

How long should I use Chloramphenicol eye ointment?

Use the ointment 3-4 times a day for 5 days unless otherwise directed by a health professional.

How does Chloramphenicol work?

It prevents bacteria from multiplying, allowing the immune system to remove the infection.

How to use Chloramphenicol?

1. Wash your hands
2. Tilt the head back and pull the eyelid down
3. Place a 1cm strip of ointment along the bottom eyelid
4. Close the eye
5. Wash your hands again thoroughly

What is more effective Chloramphenicol eye drops or ointment?

If used correctly, they should both be effective in clearing acute bacterial conjunctivitis. The ointment however will stay on the eye longer and be less susceptible to application errors, which can make it more effective than eye drops.

What is Chloramphenicol?

It is an antibiotic typically used in the eye to clear acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

What if I forget my dose of eye ointment?

Continue the course as normal once you remember. Do not apply a double dose (2cm).

Can I use Chloramphenicol when pregnant?

You should consult your doctor regarding the use of this medicine while pregnant. Currently, the effects on the unborn baby are unknown. Your doctor will consider the risk-benefit for treatment as well as any alternative options.

Can I use Chloramphenicol when breastfeeding?

You should consult your doctor regarding the use of this medicine while breastfeeding. Chloramphenicol can cross into breast milk, although systemic absorption is minimal. Your doctor will consider the risk-benefit for treatment as well as any alternative options.

Chloramphenicol side effects

Like all medicines, there is the potential for some side effects with chloramphenicol eye ointment.

The most common side effects that are experienced are:

• Itching
• Mild stinging
• Burning
• Irritation
• Slight inflammation upon skin contact

If you experience any side effects that are concerning or which may indicate an allergy to the medicine discontinue use and seek medical attention. Allergies to the medicine may arise in the form of rashes, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat and difficulty breathing.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

• Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment PIL

Warnings & Precautions

Do not use Chloramphenicol if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to any listed ingredient
• Or your family have had any blood or bone marrow medical conditions

Other Medicines

Make sure you inform your doctor or pharmacist of any other medicines you are being treated with when requesting this medicine. In particular, inform them of any other eye drops or ointments you use as well as if you take any medicines that affect the bone marrow.

Talk to your doctor before use if you:

• Have eye pain
• are experiencing vision loss
• Have any light sensitivity
• Have glaucoma
• Have an eye injury
• Think there may be a foreign object in the eye
• Have eye cloudiness
• Wear contact lenses

Ingredients

The active ingredient is Chloramphenicol 1.0 w/w.

Other ingredients are Liquid Paraffin and White Soft Paraffin. Each tube contains 4 grams of yellow/ white eye ointment.