CHLORAMPHENICOL

Topical administration to the eye only. Adults, children aged 2 years and over and elderly The recommended dose is a small amount of ointment (~ 1cm) to be applied to the affected eye(s). The ointment should be applied either at night if eye drops are used during the day, or 3 to 4 times a day if eye ointment is used alone The pharmacist will advise on the most suitable treatment.

Treatment should continue for 5 days even if symptoms improve.

Transient burning or stinging sensations may occur. More serious side effects include bone marrow depression and rarely aplastic anaemia, angioneurotic oedema, anaphylaxis, urticaria, fever, vesicular and maculopapular dermatitis have been reported and are causes for discontinuation.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store

8). 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. Therefore, the patient should be referred to seek medical advice.

The use of topical chloramphenicol may occasionally result in overgrowth of non- susceptible organisms including fungi. If any new infection appears during treatment, the patient should be referred to the 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.

Do not use for more than 5 days without consulting your doctor. The label will convey the following information: • If you do not get better within 48 hours talk to a doctor. • If your eyes get worse see a doctor straight away. • Do not use this ointment if you are allergic to chloramphenicol or anything else in the ointment.

• After 5 days, throw away any ointment left. For external use only Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children. Patients should be referred to a doctor if any of the following apply: • Disturbed vision • Any significant pain within the eye • Photophobia • Eye inflammation associated with a rash on the scalp or face • The eye looks cloudy • The pupil looks unusual • Suspected foreign body in the eye Patients should also be referred to their doctor if any of the following in his/her medical history apply: • Previous conjunctivitis in the recent past • Glaucoma • Dry eye syndrome • Eye surgery or laser treatment in the last 6 months • Eye injury • Current use of other eye drops or eye ointment If you wear contact lenses, seek advice either from your optometrist, contact lens practitioner or doctor before you use this product.

You should not wear your contact lenses during the course of treatment. If you wear soft contact lenses do not start wearing them for at least 24 hours after you have finished using the eye ointment.

1. • Patients who have experienced myelosuppression during previous exposure to chloramphenicol. • Patients with a family history of blood dyscrasias.