The following bacterial species are recognised conjunctival pathogens and may be susceptible to chloramphenicol. Pharmacotherapeutic group: Ophthalmological antibioticsĬhloramphenicol is a broad spectrum antibiotic with bacteriostatic activity and is effective against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive organisms.Ĭhloramphenicol exerts its antibacterial effect by binding to bacterial ribosomes and inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis at an early stage. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow card scheme at or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. Reporting of suspected adverse reactions: Treatment must be discontinued immediately in such cases.īone marrow depression, including the idiosyncratic type of irreversible and fatal aplastic anaemia that is recognised to occur with systemic therapy, has been reported in association with topical administration of chloramphenicol. Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, anaphylaxis, urticaria, fever, vesicular and maculopapular dermatitis. Transient irritation, burning, stinging and sensitivity reactions such as itching and dermatitis. Topical application to eyes has been associated with mercurialentis and atypical band keratopathy. Phenylmercuric nitrate is irritant to the skin. Soft contact lenses should not be replaced for 24 hours after completing the treatment. If this product is used following advice from a contact lens practitioner or doctor contact lenses should not be worn during the course of treatment. Current use of other eye drops or eye ointment.Eye surgery or laser treatment in the last 6 months.Previous conjunctivitis in the recent past.Patients should also be referred to their doctor if any of the following in his/her medical history apply: Eye inflammation associated with a rash on the scalp or face.Patients should be referred to a doctor if any of the following apply: Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children. Discard any remaining eye drops after the five day course of treatment.Do not use if you are allergic to chloramphenicol or any of the ingredients.Seek further immediate medical advice at any time if symptoms worsen.If symptoms do not improve within 48 hours talk to your doctor.Prolonged or frequent intermittent topical application of chloramphenicol should be avoided since it may increase the likelihood of sensitisation and emergence of resistant organisms.ĭo not use for more than 5 days without consulting your doctor. If any new infection appears during treatment, the patient should be referred to the doctor. The use of topical chloramphenicol may occasionally result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms including fungi. Therefore, the patient should be referred to seek medical advice. In severe bacterial conjunctivitis and in cases where infection is not confined to the conjunctivae, the topical use of chloramphenicol should be supplemented by appropriate systemic treatment. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisationĬhloramphenicol is absorbed systemically from the eye and systemic toxicity has been reported (see section 4.8). 6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use.

4.2 Posology and method of administration.

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