Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment

Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment

Chloramphenicol eye ointment is used to treat or prevent bacterial eye infections.

Before using chloramphenicol eye ointment
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using chloramphenicol it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you wear soft contact lenses.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to chloramphenicol or to any other eye drops.
• If anyone in your family has ever had a severe blood disorder.

How to use chloramphenicol eye ointment
Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the preparation you have been given, and a full list of possible side effects from using it. If your eyes have an obvious discharge or ‘crust’, it can help if you bathe them with cool clean water before using chloramphenicol.

• Wash your hands well before you use the eye ointment.
• Remove the cap from the tube.
• Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.
• Hold the tube upside down near to your eye.
• Apply enough pressure to the tube to release a thin line of ointment along the inside of the lower eyelid. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
• Close your eye for a moment or two, and then blink a few times to spread the ointment around the inside of your eye.
• Repeat the process in your other eye if both eyes are affected.
• When you have finished, remember to replace the cap on the tube to prevent the ointment from becoming contaminated.
• Use the ointment three or four times each day.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try not to miss any doses. If you forget to use the ointment on time, do it as soon as you remember.
• When you first put the eye drops or eye ointment into your eye, it may cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive or use machines or tools.
• You should not use chloramphenicol eye preparations for more than five days unless a doctor has told you otherwise. If your infection is no better after this time, make an appointment to see your doctor for advice. If your symptoms become worse while you are using chloramphenicol, you should arrange to see your doctor for advice as soon as possible. In particular, see your doctor if your eye becomes painful, if light starts to hurt your eyes, or if your sight is affected.
• Take care to avoid spreading any infection from one eye to the other, and to other members of your family. Washing your hands regularly (particularly after touching your eyes), and not sharing towels or pillows will help to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Eye infections can cause your eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Wearing sunglasses may help to prevent this.
• Do not wear contact lenses until your symptoms have completely gone. Wait for 24 hours after the last dose of eye drops or ointment before using your lenses again.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least 5 minutes between applying each preparation.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to chloramphenicol, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Acknowledgement: Patient.co.uk

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Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.
If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

For additional medical advice, if your symptoms or condition worsens:
Contact your GP
NHS 111: Telephone 111
Get help with your symptoms, NHS111: https://111.nhs.uk/
Information to help you manage your health: www.nhs.uk
In an emergency telephone 999

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