Chloramphenicol

What is Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment?

Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment is a topical antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial eye infections. It’s used specifically for acute bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a mild eye infection. It’s also known as “pink eye” because the whites of the eyes and eyelids (usually the bottom ones) can become red, swollen, and irritated. It can also cause a sticky discharge that makes your eyes difficult to open in the morning, as well as pain and discomfort.

Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment is usually applied directly to the infected area several times a day. Because it’s an ointment, it’s thicker than normal eye drops. This means it can be a bit more difficult to see after using, which can affect your ability to drive or carry out day-to-day tasks. Chloramphenicol is also available as eye drops, and it’s usually easier to see after using these than the ointment. For severe infections it can also be injected or given as capsules, but this is usually only at a hospital.

How does Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment work?

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic. It works by preventing the bacteria that causes the infection from growing and multiplying. Acute bacterial conjunctivitis is caused either by the bacteria staphylococci or streptococci. Chloramphenicol works by blocking the production of proteins made by the bacteria which are essential for it to grow and live.^[1]

When applied to the eye, Chloramphenicol is absorbed through the conjunctiva (membrane that covers the white part of the eye) and then by the bacteria, killing it— allowing the infection to clear up. Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment won’t work against viral or fungal eye infections.

What dosages are available for Chloramphenicol?

Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment is only available in a 1% dose, which comes in a 4g tube. Other forms of Chloramphenicol, though, can come in different doses, such as the 0.5% eye drops or 5% and 10% ear drops for ear infections.

How to use Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment

Things to remember before using Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment:

• Refrain from using contact lenses during treatment, and wait 24 hours after you finish your course
• A course lasts five days
• If the eye ointment is being used by itself, apply it three to four times a day. If you’re using eye drops as well, use that during the day and the ointment at night instead.
• Wash your hands before and after use.

To use Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment:

• Tilt your head backwards
• Gently pull the lower eyelid down
• Gently squeeze out about 1cm of ointment into the space between your lid and eye (you can use a mirror to help guide you)
• Let go and blink a few times (this helps to spread the ointment)
• Repeat with the other eye, if affected.

It’s important to finish the course of treatment, even if your eyes feel better. This helps stop your infection coming back, and requiring another course of antibiotics to treat.

How long does it take to work?

FFor most eye infections and bacterial conjunctivitis, there will usually be a visible improvement after two days of using Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment.^[1]

How effective is Chloramphenicol?

Chloramphenicol is a widely used antibiotic to treat bacterial infections, especially because it’s effective against bacteria that other antibiotics can’t kill.^[2]

Research suggests it’s 91%-93% effective for eye infections and works against 94% of eye bacteria, making it an effective short treatment for acute bacterial conjunctivitis.^[3]

What should I do if I make a mistake when using it?

If you forget your dose of Chloramphenicol eye ointment, use it as soon as you remember. Don’t use more than you’ve been advised to to make up for the forgotten dose.

If you accidentally use too much Chloramphenicol, or if the contents of the tube are ingested, get medical attention right away.