Name: Chloramphenicol Eye Drops: Eye Antibiotics | Healthwords
Creator: Dr Roger Henderson
Published: 2021-03-09T14:03:27.590Z

This medication should not be used in children under 2 years or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless under supervision by a doctor. If you wear contact lenses, you should see or speak to your doctor urgently as serious eye infections are more common.

Should anyone avoid taking it?

Chloramphenicol eye drops are a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial eye infections. Learn more about Chloramphenicol with Caidir

Chloramphenicol Eye Drops: Eye Antibiotics | Healthwords

As with any medications, some people are bound to get some unwanted side effects. Some of the common ones include irritation, blurred vision, stinging and itching of the eyes.

Are there any side-effects?

Chloramphenicol eye drops can be used by children and adults over the age of 2 years for the treatment of bacterial eye infection ([bacterial conjunctivitis](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/conjunctivitis!2c9a0c10-c102-4805-83e4-9291e7053c91)). It is important to discuss your symptoms with a pharmacist in order to distinguish them from other eye conditions that may need different treatment.

Who is it for?

Chloramphenicol eye drops should be stored in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C.
For the first 48 hours of treatment, 1 drop should be used in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours. After 48 hours, the frequency can be reduced to every 4 hours.
 
You should continue using chloramphenicol eye drops for 2 days after the eye appears normal up to a maximum treatment duration of 5 days. If your symptoms show no improvement within 48hrs or get any worse, you should see your doctor quickly as you may need alternative treatment. Discard any remaining contents after 28 days of first opening the bottle.

How do I use it?

Viscotears are used to relieve symptoms of eye dryness. They are formulated as liquid gel eye drops. They come in either a tube or as single-dose units to be disposed of after each use.

[Dry eyes](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/dry-eyes!4d5e9d9d-dbdb-4dd5-9f64-bc5341473fb8) are very common, and most people will likely have suffered from the symptoms at some point in their life. Symptoms can include your eyes feeling dry, tired, gritty and painful. Blurred vision and eye redness can also occur. Older age, tiredness, weather conditions, certain medications such as [allergies](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/eye-drops-for-allergy!41eb561f-f7c6-4e8b-a073-633496bf328f), and wearing contact lenses can make dry eye symptoms more common. Also, if you have certain medical conditions such as [blepharitis](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/blepharitis!db4986ec-42f0-48ca-988d-3ce0d9c20693), [rosacea](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/rosacea!9c40a20e-f3c2-4cb5-bc04-c225ea96a981), or Sjogren's syndrome, dry eyes can be linked to these.

There are many different types of eye drops available both over the counter and available via a prescription. Eye drops are used to treat a myriad of eye conditions including [hay fever](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/hay-fever-eye-drops!23f67ba7-8d58-4286-b24f-e4d8026303df), [dry eyes](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/dry-eyes!4d5e9d9d-dbdb-4dd5-9f64-bc5341473fb8), [infections](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/conjunctivitis!2c9a0c10-c102-4805-83e4-9291e7053c91), [glaucoma](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/glaucoma!e1b0db58-4e11-4c70-99f4-97a672eaf45a), and more. Whilst they cover a variety of treatments, they all are instilled using the same technique. Below we have a step-by-step guide to help you instill your eye drops effectively!

Conjunctivitis is an infection of the eye by either a virus or bacteria. The conjunctiva is the pink rim that you can see if you pull down your lower lid, and it extends onto the white of your eye. It’s an area that often gets infected in children and is usually linked to a [common viral cold](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/common-cold!ebd5ae17-c08e-4512-89b7-01bf02733274). Children may get a bacterial infection on its own, usually starting in one eye then spreading.

Conjunctivitis has a number of possible symptoms, but one eye normally starts to become affected before the other. The eye looks red and swollen and this redness extends onto the eyelids as well as the white of the eye. There is often a discharge (sometimes greenish in colour) around the eyelids and this is worse on waking – the eyes may seem to be ‘stuck down’ with matter. Itching and pain on rubbing the eyes is also common, with sufferers often saying their eyes feel ‘gritty’, and occasionally bright light may make all these symptoms worse.

Allergic conjunctivitis is in response to an allergen – commonly pollen alongside other [hay fever](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/hay-fever!c2798a46-5dae-413a-aff5-83062edb2e79) symptoms – but also any face creams, hair dyes, nail varnish, pet dander or anything in the environment that your eyes have become sensitive to. The eyes are usually profusely watery, puffy around them and they may feel a bit gritty. You may also get a runny nose or hives on other parts of the body. Treatment may help, such as antihistamine eye drops or tablets, but it’s usually mild and improves on its own within a day or two – quicker if you remove the suspected allergen.

Antihistamine eye drops: uses and side effects

You may be suffering from hay fever, or a reaction to another allergen leading to sneezing and streaming. There’s an array of [antihistamine](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/antihistamines!c412bea5-5a36-49ff-a7f7-1d287ba42174) eye drops available, so let our resident pharmacist take you through where to start and how to choose between them. Another option is [sodium cromoglicate](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/sodium-cromoglicate-eye-drops!f71a354d-3e5e-41c7-ad83-d6df128959e4) a medication known for its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties, although it is not an antihistamine. This is the most commonly used allergy eye drop formulation

Dr Kim - Eye Formulations

Symptoms of dry eyes may include:

1. **Dryness**: A sensation of dryness or grittiness in the eyes is a hallmark symptom of dry eyes. This can be accompanied by a feeling of irritation or discomfort.

2. **Redness**: The eyes may appear red or bloodshot, particularly when they become irritated due to dryness.

3. **Burning or stinging**: Some individuals with dry eyes may experience a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, especially in environments with low humidity or when exposed to irritants such as smoke or wind.

4. **Blurry vision**: Dry eyes can cause temporary fluctuations in vision, leading to blurry or fluctuating vision, particularly during activities that require prolonged visual concentration, such as reading or using a computer.

5. **Sensitivity to light**: Dry eyes may increase sensitivity to light, making it uncomfortable to be in brightly lit environments.

6. **Watery eyes**: Paradoxically, some people with dry eyes may experience excessive tearing as the eyes attempt to compensate for the lack of adequate lubrication.

Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eyes, including:

- **Ageing**: Dry eyes are more common as people age, as tear production tends to decrease with age.
- **Environmental factors**: Exposure to dry or windy climates, air conditioning, heating, and smoke can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
- **Medical conditions**: Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis), hormonal changes (e.g., menopause), and eyelid abnormalities, can increase the risk of dry eyes.
- **Medications**: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormonal therapies, can reduce tear production or affect tear composition, leading to dry eyes.
- **Prolonged screen time**: Extended use of digital devices can contribute to dry eyes due to reduced blinking and increased tear evaporation.
- **Contact lens wear**: Contact lens use can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, particularly if lenses are worn for extended periods or if proper hygiene practices are not followed.

Dr Kandi - Dry Eyes

Chloramphenicol eye ointment is used to treat minor bacterial [eye infections](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/eye-infection!62a2da5c-4100-4c0d-a1ba-924076797325) (such as [bacterial conjunctivitis](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/conjunctivitis!2c9a0c10-c102-4805-83e4-9291e7053c91)). It contains the active ingredient chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against a wide variety of bacteria. Chloramphenicol eye ointment can be used in adults and children over the age of 2 years. It is available for purchase from your pharmacy after discussing your symptoms with a [pharmacist](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/pharmacists-qualifications-knowledge-and-roles!eb317c5b-b696-45f0-a1ac-04f1128cab34). In some situations, your pharmacist may suggest an alternative eye treatment that could be more appropriate than chloramphenicol. Viral and fungal eye infections can cause very similar symptoms but need different treatments.

Chloramphenicol eye ointment can be used on its own or together with [chloramphenicol eye drops](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/chloramphenicol-eye-drops!0546bc28-2836-4865-8fbc-021d2b37d08a). It is used in combination with chloramphenicol eye drops because, due to the frequency with which the eye drops need to be applied, using them at night is not advised. Therefore, chloramphenicol eye ointment can be used at night instead as it stays on the eye longer, providing a longer duration of action.

Infections can affect different parts of the eye causing a so-called red-eye. The conjunctiva – the pink rim if you pull down your lower lid – is the most common site of infection, called conjunctivitis. This usually affects both eyes and goes alongside viral respiratory infections giving cold symptoms. Children may be more prone to bacterial conjunctivitis. You might get a clear, yellow, or green discharge which might cause blurring of the vision until they’re cleaned, and eyes may be crusty and stuck together on waking. The usual whites of the eyes look pink, the pink rim looks red, and it looks a bit red and swollen around the eyes. It’s not usually very painful.

A stye is a mild bacterial infection of glands on your lashline, causing a painful red pimple on your upper or lower eyelid. This does not usually need treatment and improves after a few days.

Other infections are more likely to affect one eye and may be more serious. Keratitis affects the cornea, the glass-like coating of your eye, which may come from bacteria, viruses, or parasites in tap water, and contact lens wearers are at particular risk.

You may get the appearance of red-eye, pain, and watering for reasons other than infection, such as [uveitis ](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/uveitis!88487eb2-3967-4679-880e-3f32c78065cb)or [glaucoma](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/glaucoma!e1b0db58-4e11-4c70-99f4-97a672eaf45a), and these require urgent medical assessment. Allergy can cause a similar red eye, but it’s more likely to feel itchy and both eyes are affected, usually with lots of watering and gritty or burning feeling.

Hypromellose eye drops are used to relieve symptoms of [dry eyes](https://www.healthwords.ai/symptom/dry-eyes!4d5e9d9d-dbdb-4dd5-9f64-bc5341473fb8). They are often described as artificial tears and are used to moisturise and soothe the surface of the eyes. They can be useful when you either don’t produce enough natural tears or when your eyes are drying out too fast, causing discomfort. They can be used by adults and children, however, it is recommended that you speak to your pharmacist or doctor before using them in children. Some formulations contain preservatives that may cause irritation, if this is the case, preservative-free formulations are also available.

Brolene eye drops are antibiotic eye drops used for minor bacterial [eye infections](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/eye-infection!62a2da5c-4100-4c0d-a1ba-924076797325) causing [conjunctivitis](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/conjunctivitis!2c9a0c10-c102-4805-83e4-9291e7053c91). The eye drops can be used in anyone over the age of two, and purchased from a pharmacy after discussing your symptoms with a pharmacist. The pharmacist may suggest an alternative eye treatment that may be more appropriate than Brolene depending on your symptoms as other causes of eye infections (viral and fungal) can have very similar symptoms, but cannot be treated with antibiotic eye drops. The pharmacist may suggest a different antibiotic eye drop called chloramphenicol depending on the severity of infection.

Blepharitis is a common and treatable inflammation of the inner rim of the eyelid, usually affecting both eyes. There may be irritation, itching, burning, excessive tears and crusty debris or skin flakes around the eyelashes.

You may also have redness around the eyes and missing eyelashes. Common causes are bacterial eyelid infections, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eyes, fungal eyelid infections and parasites. Blepharitis can be a recurrent or chronic problem, and patients often have other associated skin conditions such as rosacea and dandruff. Blepharitis is not contagious.

Optrex Infected Eye Drops are used to treat minor bacterial eye infections (such as bacterial conjunctivitis). If you are unsure if you have it, have a look at our article on [conjunctivitis](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/conjunctivitis!2c9a0c10-c102-4805-83e4-9291e7053c91). They contain the active ingredient chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against a wide variety of bacteria.  

Viral and fungal eye infections can cause very similar symptoms but need different treatment. 

Due to the frequency that the eye drops need to be applied, using them at night is not advised. Therefore, the pharmacist may also suggest chloramphenicol eye ointment for use at night. 

Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis Eye Ointment

Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis Eye Ointment is used to treat minor bacterial eye infections (such as bacterial conjunctivitis). It contains the active ingredient [chloramphenicol](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/chloramphenicol-eye-ointment!584084c1-68ca-4823-8d6a-1ea654e4ce1a), a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against a wide variety of bacteria. Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis Eye Ointment can be used in adults and children over the age of 2 years and purchased from your pharmacy after discussing the symptoms with your pharmacist. In some situations, your pharmacist may suggest an alternative eye treatment that could be more appropriate than chloramphenicol. Viral and fungal eye infections can cause very similar symptoms but need different treatments.  

Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis Eye Ointment can be used on its own or together with chloramphenicol eye drops, however, this is normally through the direction of the doctor. It is used in combination with chloramphenicol eye drops because the ointment lasts longer in the eyes, making them more suitable for the before-bed application.

An ectropion happens when the lower eyelid sags away from your eye, leaving the inner surface of the eyelid exposed. It can happen in one eye or both eyes. When the lower eyelid droops away from the eye, it can affect the ability of teardrops to drain properly. This can cause the eye to water excessively, as well as feel dry and gritty. The eyes can also become red, sore, and inflamed and this makes the eye more vulnerable to infections such as conjunctivitis.    In severe untreated cases, it's possible to develop a corneal ulcer (a sore on the eye's surface) that could affect your vision. But this is rare. An ectropion is different from an entropion, which is where the eyelid turns inwards, towards the eye.

Uveitis is when part of the eye suddenly becomes inflamed, giving you a very painful, red eye. You might also experience discomfort in bright light (photophobia), blurring or reduced vision. It's important to seek help and get this treated promptly, as in severe cases it can lead to a loss of vision.

Lacri-lube is an eye ointment that is predominantly used in the treatment of [dry eye conditions](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/dry-eyes!4d5e9d9d-dbdb-4dd5-9f64-bc5341473fb8). It is also used for corneal erosion, and to lubricate the eyes before eye surgery. It contains paraffin and wool alcohols (lanolin) which all serve to lubricate and protect the eyes from water loss, thereby relieving symptoms of dry eyes and forming a protective barrier on the eye’s surface.

A cataract is when part of the eye called the lens, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy and affects your vision. It tends to affect older people – up to one in three of those over 65 are affected by cataracts. There are other rarer types of cataracts such as congenital cataracts that develop from birth, and this is checked at your [baby's 6 to 8 week screening](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/what-happens-at-the-6-8-week-check!31f74b30-adbf-4cbe-aa28-7b2432e6424d) with your doctor.

People with a cataract usually complain of blurred vision. As the condition progresses over years, vision can worse, colours look less vibrant, spots appear in their vision, halos appear around lights, lights seem too bright and they have difficulty seeing in poor light or at night. Pain isn’t usually a symptom.

Symptoms of a cataract usually develop slowly over a few years so people may not notice at first, but it will be picked up at a routine eye test.

Dr Roger Henderson

Chief Content Officer

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against a wide variety of bacteria, and is used to treat minor bacterial [eye infections](https://www.healthwords.ai/condition/eye-infection!62a2da5c-4100-4c0d-a1ba-924076797325). The eye drops can be used in children and adults over the age of 2 years and purchased from your pharmacy after discussing the symptoms with your [pharmacist](https://www.healthwords.ai/article/pharmacists-qualifications-knowledge-and-roles!eb317c5b-b696-45f0-a1ac-04f1128cab34). In some situations your pharmacist may suggest an alternative eye treatment that could be more appropriate than chloramphenicol. Viral and fungal eye infections can cause very similar symptoms, but need different treatment. Due to the frequency that the eye drops need to be applied, using them at night is not advised, therefore the pharmacist may also suggest [chloramphenicol eye ointment](https://www.healthwords.ai/treatment/chloramphenicol-eye-ointment!584084c1-68ca-4823-8d6a-1ea654e4ce1a) for use at night.

Chloramphenicol eye drops

Doctor’s advice

Who is it for?

How do I use it?

Should anyone avoid taking it?

Are there any side-effects?

Related topics

Viscotears

How to correctly instill eye drops

Conjunctivitis

Antihistamine eye drops: uses and side effects

Dry eyes

Chloramphenicol eye ointment

Eye infection

Hypromellose eye drops

Brolene eye drops

Blepharitis

Optrex Infected Eye Drops

Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis Eye Ointment

Ectropion (eyelid)

Uveitis

Lacri-lube

Cataracts