Drug Action
Chloramphenicol is a potent broad- spectrum antibiotic.
PDF page 1258
Loading InternPractice…
Drug reference
Chloramphenicol is a potent broad- spectrum antibiotic.
PDF page 1258
Superficial eye infections ▶TO THE EYE USING EYE DROP ▶Child: Apply 1 drop every 2 hours then reduce frequency as infection is controlled and continue for 48 hours after healing, frequency dependent on the severity of the infection. For less severe infection 3–4 times daily is generally sufficient ▶Adult: Apply 1 drop every 2 hours then reduce frequency as infection is controlled and continue for 48 hours after healing, frequency dependent on the severity of the infection. For less severe infection 3–4 times daily is generally sufficient ▶TO THE EYE USING EYE OINTMENT ▶Child: Apply daily, to be applied at night (if eye drops used during the day), alternatively apply 3–4 times a day, if ointment used alone ▶Adult: Apply daily, to be applied at night (if eye drops used during the day), alternatively apply 3–4 times a day, if ointment used alone
PDF pages 1258, 1259
Although multi-dose chloramphenicol eye drops commonly contain preservatives, preservative-free unit dose vials may be available.
PDF page 1259
Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops (in max. pack size 10 mL) and 1% eye ointment (in max. pack size 4 g) can be sold to the public for treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis in adults and children over 2 years; max. duration of treatment 5 days.
PDF page 1259
→Appendix 1: chloramphenicol
PDF page 1259
Angioedema. bone marrow disorders. eye stinging. fever. paraesthesia. skin reactions
PDF page 1259
Avoid unless essential—no information on topical use but risk of ‘neonatal grey-baby syndrome’ with oral use in third trimester.
PDF page 1259
Avoid unless essential— theoretical risk of bone-marrow toxicity.
PDF page 1259
There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Eye drops EXCIPIENTS: May contain Phenylmercuric acetate ▶Chloramphenicol (Non-proprietary) Chloramphenicol 5 mg per 1 ml Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops | 10 ml P £5.65 DT = £4.13 ▶Eykappo (Aspire Pharma Ltd) Chloramphenicol 5 mg per 1 ml Eykappo 5mg/ml eye drops | 10 ml P £10.12 DT = £10.12 Eye ointment ▶Chloramphenicol (Non-proprietary) Chloramphenicol 10 mg per 1 gram Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment | 4 gram P £2.03 DT = £1.75
PDF page 1259
Medicines for Children leaflet: Chloramphenicol for eye infections www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/chloramphenicol-eye- infections-0
PDF page 1259
Apply 1 drop every 2 hours then reduce
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
PDF page 1258
Apply 1 drop every 2 hours then reduce
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
PDF page 1258
Apply daily, to be applied at night (if eye drops
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
PDF page 1259
Apply daily, to be applied at night (if eye drops
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
PDF page 1259