Optachlor Eye Ointment 10mg Ointment

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic. As eye ointment or eye drops it treats eye infections caused by bacteria, such as bacterial conjunctivitis.

Use it as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not let the tube or dropper touch your eye.
• Ointment: pull down the lower eyelid and squeeze about 1 cm into the gap, then close and blink to spread it.
• Drops: tilt your head back, put one drop in, close your eye and press gently on the inner corner for up to a minute.
• Usually used for 5 days, even if the eye looks better. See a doctor if there is no improvement after 2 days.
• Do not wear contact lenses during treatment.
• If you miss a dose, use it when you remember unless the next dose is near. Do not double up.

Common side effects:

• brief stinging, burning or blurred vision just after use

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• easy bruising, frequent infections or unusual tiredness – very rarely a sign of a blood problem
• swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, wheezing or a widespread rash – signs of a serious allergic reaction

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

• have had an allergic reaction to chloramphenicol or another medicine
• or a family member have had blood problems such as aplastic anaemia
• have eye pain, problems with your sight, a cloudy eye or a recent eye injury
• have glaucoma, dry eyes, or eye surgery in the last 6 months
• use other eye medicines or wear contact lenses

Children under 2 should only use it if prescribed.

Store eye drops in the fridge. Use eye ointment or drops within 4 weeks of opening and before the expiry date.

Your vision may blur briefly after use – wait until it clears before driving. If you wear soft contact lenses, wait 24 hours after your last dose before wearing them again.