How and when to use chloramphenicol

Dosage

Chloramphenicol comes in different strengths. How much you use depends on what it's for and whether you're using the eyedrops, eye ointment or eardrops.

How to use chloramphenicol

To use all types of chloramphenicol:

• always wash your hands before (and after) using chloramphenicol – this prevents you from passing the infection to the other eye or ear
• remove the cap just before using your medicine and replace it as soon as you've finished
• do not touch the eye dropper or tube with your fingers
• make sure the nozzle does not touch your eye or ear, or your skin
• use a mirror to help you see what you're doing
• tilt your head back or to the side to put drops in your eyes or ears

When you've finished your treatment, throw away any leftover medicine.

How to use eyedrops

If you're using 0.5% chloramphenicol eyedrops, put one drop into the affected eye every 2 hours (during waking hours) for the first 2 days. Then every 4 hours for the next 3 days, or as your doctor advises.

Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid with a clean finger. Hold the bottle over your eye and allow a single drop to fall into the space between your lower lid and your eye. Close your eye for a few minutes. Wipe away any extra liquid with a clean tissue.

For more severe infections, your doctor may recommend using ointment at bedtime and eyedrops during the day. This is because the ointment works better while you sleep. The eyedrops allow you to get on with your day as normal, as they do not affect your eyesight.

How to use eye ointment

If you're using 1% chloramphenicol eye ointment, apply it to the affected eye every 3 hours (during waking hours). Do this 3 to 4 times a day, or as your doctor advises.

Gently pull down your lower eyelid with a clean finger and tilt your head back. Hold the tube with the nozzle close to your eye and gently squeeze about 1 centimetre of ointment into the space between your lower lid and your eye. Close your eye for a few minutes.

With more severe infections, your doctor may recommend using eye ointment at bedtime. This is because the ointment sticks to the surface of the eye and eyelid and works while you sleep.

How to use eardrops

If you're using 5% or 10% chloramphenicol eardrops, put 3 or 4 drops into the affected ear 2 to 3 times a day, or as your doctor advises.

Tilt your head and bring the tube up to the affected ear, with the dropper close to your ear hole. Squeeze the drops into your ear.

If you can, lie down for at least 10 minutes afterwards. Turn your head to one side, so your affected ear is towards the ceiling. After this, put some cotton wool in your ear.

How long to use it for

Eyedrops

Use the drops for 5 days, even if your eye seems better.

Do not use them for more than 5 days, unless your doctor tells you to. This is because your eyes can become more sensitive or you could get another eye infection.

Eye ointment

Use the ointment until the eye appears normal and for 2 days afterwards. Do not use it for more than 5 days, unless your doctor tells you to.

Eardrops

Use the drops for up to 1 week. Do not use the medicine for longer than this unless your doctor tells you to. This is because your ears can become more sensitive or you could get another ear infection.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use chloramphenicol drops or ointment, use or apply it as soon as you remember. Then continue to use it at the usual time.

If you often forget to use your chloramphenicol, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.

If you use too much

Do not worry if a few more drops of chloramphenicol accidentally fall into your eye or ear, or if you apply more of the ointment than you meant to.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. If you need advice for a child under the age of 5 years, call 111.

If 111 advise you to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the leaflet that came with your drops or ointment, plus any remaining medicine with you.