Basic Information
- Habit forming? No
- Prescription needed? Yes
- Available as generic? Yes, for some
- Drug class: Antibacterial (ophthalmic)
Uses
Helps body overcome eye infections on surface tissues of the
eye.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to use:
Eye drops
Wash hands.
Apply pressure to inside corner of eye with middle finger.
Continue pressure for 1 minute after placing medicine in eye.
Tilt head backward. Pull lower lid away from eye with index
finger of the same hand.
Drop eye drops into pouch and close eye. Don't blink.
Keep eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes. Eye ointment
Wash hands.
Pull lower lid down from eye to form a pouch.
Squeeze tube to apply thin strip of ointment into pouch.
Close eye for 1 to 2 minutes.
Don't touch applicator tip to any surface (including the eye).
If you accidentally touch tip, clean with warm soap and water.
Keep container tightly closed.
Keep cool, but don't freeze.
Wash hands immediately after using.
When to use:
As directed. Don't miss doses.
If you forget a dose:
Use as soon as you remember.
What drug does:
Penetrates bacterial cell membrane and prevents cells from
multiplying.
Time lapse before drug works:
Begins in 1 hour. May require 7 to 10 days to control infection.
Don't use with:
Any other eye drops or ointment without checking with your
ophthalmologist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
None expected.
WHAT TO DO:
Not intended for internal use. If child accidentally swallows,
call poison-control center.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
Common:
Ointments cause blurred vision for a few minutes.
Infrequent:
Signs of irritation not present before drug use.
Rare (with chloramphenicol):
Sore throat, pale skin, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising.
Warnings & Precautions
Don't use if:
You are allergic to any antibiotic used on skin, ears, vagina
or rectum.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have had an allergic reaction to any medicine, food
or other substances.
Over age 60:
No problems expected.
Pregnancy:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.
Breast-feeding:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.
Infants & children:
No problems expected. Use only under medical supervision.
Prolonged use:
Sensitivity reaction may develop.
Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.
Discontinuing:
Possible rare adverse reaction of bone marrow depression that
leads to aplastic anemia may occur after discontinuing chloramphenicol.
Others:
- Notify doctor if symptoms fail to improve in 2 to 4 days.
- Keep cool, but don't freeze.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
