Chloramphenicol is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in the Antibiotics group (G01AA). The information below is compiled per regulator from the product labels on record, with direct links to the original documents.
GBOfficial regulatory label· revised November 22, 2024[1]
Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in both adults and children, caused by the organisms Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus haemolyticus, Morax-Axenfield and others.
How to take
GB
CACanada· Health Canada
2 products
Side effects & warnings
CAOfficial regulatory label· Adverse reactions· revised December 9, 2025[2]
Eye disorders Transient irritation, burning, stinging and sensitivity reactions, such as itching and dermatitis. Immune system disorders Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, anaphylaxis, urticaria, fever, vesicular and maculopapular dermatitis.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders Bone marrow depression and rarely aplastic anaemia has been reported following topical use of chloramphenicol. While the hazard is a rare one, it should be borne in mind when assessing the benefits expected from the use of this compound.
OVERDOSE For the most recent information in the management of a suspected drug overdose, contact your regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1- 844-764-7669). DRUG INTERACTIONS The concomitant administration of Chloramphenicol with other drugs liable to depress bone marrow function should be avoided.
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Chloramphenicol. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
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Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
[1]MHRA (UK) · PL189560005 · revised November 22, 2024
[2]Health Canada (DPD) · 02026260 · revised December 9, 2025
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The recommended dosage for adults, children and infants of all age groups is a small amount of ointment to be applied to the affected eye every three hours or more frequently if required. Treatment should be continued for at least 48 hours after eye appears normal.
Paediatric population Dosage adjustment may be necessary in newborn infants because of reduced systemic elimination due to immature metabolism and the risk of dose-related adverse effects. The maximum duration of treatment is 10-14 days.
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Side effects & warnings
GBOfficial regulatory label· Adverse reactions· revised November 22, 2024[1]
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
GBOfficial regulatory label· Warnings and precautions· revised November 22, 2024[1]
Chloramphenicol is absorbed systemically from the eye and toxicity has been reported following chronic exposure. Bone marrow hypoplasia, including aplastic anaemia and death, has been reported following topical use of chloramphenicol.
Whilst the hazard is a rare one, it should be borne in mind when assessing the benefits expected from the use of the compound. Where chloramphenicol eye ointment is used on a long-term or intermittent basis, it may be advisable to perform a routine blood profile before therapy and at appropriate intervals thereafter to detect haemopoietic abnormalities.
In severe infections the topical use of chloramphenicol should be supplemented by appropriate systemic treatment. The prolonged use of antibiotics may occasionally result in overgrowth of non susceptable organisms, including fungi. If any new infection appears during the treatment, the antibiotic should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken.
Chloramphenicol should be reserved for use only for infections for which it is specifically indicated. Contact lenses should be removed during treatment. Chloramphenicol does not provide adequate coverage against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens.
It is recommended that all types of contact lenses are avoided during ocular infections. Chloramphenicol eye ointment may smear over the surface of contact lenses.
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Who should not take it
GBOfficial regulatory label· Contraindications· revised November 22, 2024[1]
1. Patients who have experienced myelosuppression during previous exposure to chloramphenicol. Patients with a family history of blood dyscrasias.
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults (including the elderly) and children aged 2 years and over: Instruct patient to apply a small amount (about 1 cm) of the ointment into the space between the lower eyelid and the eye 3 to 4 times daily.
The course of treatment is 5 days. Contact lenses should not be worn in an infected eye. Contact lenses should be removed during the period of treatment. Chloramphenicol (Chloramphenicol Ophthalmic Ointment, USP 1%) Page 5 of 10 AVAILABILITY Each gram of sterile ophthalmic ointment contains: Chloramphenicol USP 1% (10 mg/g); and the following non-medicinal ingredients: mineral oil, polysorbate 60 and white petrolatum.
5 gram tubes. STORAGE CONDITIONS Store between 15°C and 30°C. Keep container tightly closed. Keep out of reach and sight of children. 13 Description: Fine, white to grayish-white or yellowish-white, needle-like crystals or elongated plates.
Freely soluble in alcohol, in propylene glycol, in acetone, and in ethyl acetate; slightly soluble in water. Chloramphenicol (Chloramphenicol Ophthalmic Ointment, USP 1%) Page 7 of 10 READ THIS FOR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF YOUR MEDICINE PATIENT MEDICATION INFORMATION PrCHLORAMPHENICOL Chloramphenicol Ophthalmic Ointment, USP 1% Read this carefully before you start taking Chloramphenicol and each time you get a refill.
This leaflet is a summary and will not tell you everything about this drug. Talk to your healthcare professional about your medical condition and treatment and ask if there is any new information about Chloramphenicol. What is Chloramphenicol used for?
• Chloramphenicol is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria. • Antibacterial drugs like Chloramphenicol treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections. How does Chloramphenicol work? Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that stops bacteria from growing and kills them.
What are the ingredients in Chloramphenicol?
Medicinal ingredient:
Chloramphenicol.
Non-medicinal ingredients:
Mineral Oil, Polysorbate 60, White Petrolatum. 5 g tube. Do not use Chloramphenicol if: • You are allergic to chloramphenicol or any other ingredients in this product. • Have ever had problems with your blood (in particular with low numbers of blood cells) during previous treatments with chloramphenicol.
• Have a family history of blood problems such as low white blood cell, red blood cell or platelet count. • You or a member of your family has had problems with their blood or bone marrow. These problems can include a severe reduction in red blood cells or lower than normal blood count.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Chloramphenicol. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have including if you: • have disturbed vision • have severe pain in the eye • are sensitive to light • have eye inflammation with a rash on the scalp or face • have a cloudy eye Chloramphenicol (Chloramphenicol Ophthalmic Ointment, USP 1%) Page 8 of 10 • have any changes in how the coloured or black part of your eye looks • have a foreign body in the eye • have an eye infection that keeps coming back • have glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye) • have dry eyes • have eye injury • are currently using any other eye drops or eye ointment • have had eye surgery or laser treatment in the last 6 months • wear contact lenses Other warnings you should know about: • Do not use Chloramphenicol for more than 5 days or as directed by your doctor.
• If there is no improvement within 2 days of starting treatment, stop use and consult a physician. • Chloramphenicol should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless considered essential by your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
• Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Chloramphenicol. When you have an eye infection, wearing contact lenses can make it worse. • Your vision may be blurred for a few minutes after using the product. Do not drive or operate machinery until you can see clearly.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals natural supplements or alternative medicines. The following may interact with Chloramphenicol: • medicines for cancer such as methotrexate • medicines for the immune system such as azathioprine • other eye ointments or eye drops How to use Chloramphenicol: • Although you may feel better early in treatment, Chloramphenicol should be used exactly as directed.
• Misuse or overuse of Chloramphenicol could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by […]
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.