Biostat Eye Drops 5/15mg Drops

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections of the eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis (a red, sticky eye). Boric acid (with borax) is part of the eye drop solution in which the chloramphenicol is dissolved.

It does not work for eye problems caused by viruses or allergies.

Use it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Wash your hands. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid and put one drop into the pocket.
• Do not let the bottle tip touch your eye or anything else.
• Close your eye and press gently on the inner corner for up to a minute. Wipe away extra liquid with a clean tissue.
• Do not wear contact lenses during treatment. For soft lenses, wait 24 hours after the last dose before wearing them again.
• Usually used for 5 days, even if the eye looks better. See a pharmacist or doctor if it is not better after 2 days or gets worse.
• If you miss a dose, use it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Do not double up.

Common side effects include:

• brief stinging, burning or blurred vision just after use

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• bruising easily, frequent infections, or feeling unusually tired or weak (a very rare blood problem)
• swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, trouble breathing, or a blistering or peeling rash (call emergency services)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you:

• are allergic to chloramphenicol
• or a family member have had blood problems such as aplastic anaemia
• have eyesight problems, severe eye pain, a cloudy eye, or a rash on the face or head
• have had an eye injury, eye surgery or laser treatment in the last 6 months
• have glaucoma, dry eyes or repeated eye infections
• use other eye drops or ointments, or wear contact lenses
• want to use it for a child under 2 (only on a doctor's prescription)

Store in a fridge (2 to 8°C), protected from light, and out of the reach of children. Throw the bottle away 4 weeks after opening.

Driving: do not drive until your vision is clear after using the drops.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Only tiny amounts enter the blood, but they may suggest another option. If breastfeeding, wash your hands well before handling your baby.