About this product

Dosage and Administration
Adults and children 2 years and over: 1-2 drops applied to each affected eye every 2-6 hours for 2-3 days. The interval
between applications may then be increased. Severe infections may require 1-2 drops every 15-20 minutes initially,
reducing the frequency of instillation gradually as the infection is controlled. Treatment should be continued for at least
48 hours after the eye appears normal.
Do not use for more than 5 days in total except on medical advice. Minims Chloramphenicol should not be given to
children less than 2 years old.
Each Minims Chloramphenicol eye drops unit should be discarded after a single use.

Contraindications
Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to any excipients and/or toxic reaction to the drug.

Precautions
This product should not be recommended for OTC use under the following circumstances: photophobia; severe pain in
the eye or pain and swelling around the eye; loss of, reduced or blurred vision; restriction of eye movement; cloudy
cornea; copious yellow-green purulent discharge that accumulates after being wiped away; contact lens wearer;
abnormal pupils; eye injury or suspicion of a foreign body in the eye; history of welding without eye protection
immediately prior to onset of symptoms; glaucoma; dry eye syndrome; patient is using other eye drops or eye ointments
at the time of presentation; patient has had eye surgery or laser treatment in the past six months; individual or family
history of bone marrow problems; recent overseas travel; patient has had similar symptoms in the past; patient feels
unwell. If infections caused by non-susceptible organisms appear during therapy, discontinue use and take appropriate
measures. Discontinue promptly if sensitisation or irritation occurs. Contact lenses should not be worn during the course
of treatment.

Interactions
Chymotrypsin may not work properly if it is given at the same time as Minims Chloramphenicol.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Systematically absorbed/administered forms of chloramphenicol enter the foetal circulation and are distributed into
breast milk. If given systematically to the mother shortly before parturition or whilst breastfeeding, chloramphenicol may
cause bone marrow suppression of the neonate or the “grey baby syndrome”, characterised by cyanosis and
hypothermia. However, limited absorption following ophthalmic use at the recommended dosage is generally not
expected to pose a risk to the foetus or neonate.

Ability to Drive & Use Machines
May cause transient blurring of vision on instillation. Warn patients not to drive or operate hazardous machinery unless
vision is clear.

Adverse Effects
Chloramphenicol is absorbed systemically from the eye, and toxicity has been reported following chronic exposure.
Dose-related toxicity following a singular ocular exposure is unlikely. Local effects include signs of local irritation with
subjective symptoms of itching or burning. More serious side effects include angioneurotic oedema, anaphylaxis,
urticaria, fever, vesicular and maculopapular dermatitis. Blood dyscrasias have been reported.

Storage
Store at 2⁰C to 8⁰C. Protect from light.