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What Are Chloramphenicol Eye Drops?

S. Berger
S. Berger

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic medication that is capable of killing many types of infectious bacteria. This drug may be taken orally to control infections throughout the body, but its most common form in many locations is chloramphenicol eye drops. Most types of eye infections caused by bacteria can be treated with these eye drops, although infections caused by some specific organisms will not be affected. With a doctor's recommendation, the eye drops may be used to treat bacterial ear infections as well, but should never be used if the eardrum has been damaged.

The use of chloramphenicol eye drops is similar to any other type of medicated eye drop. Patients should always wash their hands before and after handling the drops in order to avoid contaminating the liquid, which can make the infection worse. The lower eyelid should be pulled forward to form a pouch, and a single drop should be placed in the pouch. Afterward, the eyes are closed for a minute or two to ensure that the drop absorbs. Depending on the extent of the infection, this procedure should be performed two to six times daily.

Chloramphenical eye drops can be used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
Chloramphenical eye drops can be used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.

Like any antibiotic treatment, chloramphenicol eye drops should be used until the medication is completely gone. Discontinuing use prematurely can result in resistant bacteria reappearing and renewing the infection after several days. Even if the patient seems symptom free, the therapy should continue for as long as a doctor has recommended. Additionally, this medication should only be used when prescribed by a doctor, to avoid the creation of drug-resistant microbes that chloramphenicol is not meant to treat.

Chloramphenicol eye drops should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.
Chloramphenicol eye drops should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.

Some side effects can occasionally result from using chloramphenicol eye drops. Slight eye irritation that results in redness, stinging, or mild pain, as well as blurry vision can occur, but these effects are not considered serious. These adverse effects should be reported to a doctor, however, if they do not disappear after a few days. Emergency medical services should be contacted immediately if signs of an allergic reaction occur, such as swelling of the face, trouble breathing, or feelings of faintness, as these reactions may be fatal.

A possible side effect of chloramphenicol drops is slight eye irritation.
A possible side effect of chloramphenicol drops is slight eye irritation.

Certain pre-existing medical conditions could make the use of chloramphenicol eye drops dangerous. Liver and kidney conditions, in particular, are cause for avoiding this medication, since it may not be metabolized, or broken down, by the body in a timely fashion. Tuberculosis and other diseases that can result in eye infections are also conditions that could lead to unsafe conditions when these eye drops are used. A thorough medical history should be provided to the doctor before using this medication to avoid unnecessary risks.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@talentryto- A lot of people have difficulties putting eye drops into their eyes, especially medicated drops that may cause stinging or burning. For others, just the thought of something coming close to their eyes makes them nervous, which makes putting eye drops very hard to do.

There is a simply way to quickly put eye drops like chloramphenicol in the eyes. First, tell your friend to hold her head straight, and elevate it slightly to the ceiling. This will give her a good angle that will prevent the drops from rolling back out of her eyes.

Next, tell your friend to work quickly when putting the eye drops in her eyes. Squeeze them into one eye, and without hesitation, go on to the next. This will allow her to quickly get the medicine she needs.

Finally, your friend should close her eyes tightly after putting the chloramphenicol drops in. This will allow time for the medication to work. After doing this for about 30 seconds, she can blot away any excess drops.

Talentryto

I have a friend who has a very hard time putting eye drops in her eyes. This is a problem for her, because she is prone to infections that require the use of chloramphenicol. What are some tips for easily putting these drops into your eyes?

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    • Chloramphenical eye drops can be used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
      By: Max Tactic
      Chloramphenical eye drops can be used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
    • Chloramphenicol eye drops should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.
      By: arztsamui
      Chloramphenicol eye drops should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.
    • A possible side effect of chloramphenicol drops is slight eye irritation.
      By: Kasi Lodrigue
      A possible side effect of chloramphenicol drops is slight eye irritation.
    • Chloramphenicol eye drops are available only by prescription.
      By: arturas kerdokas
      Chloramphenicol eye drops are available only by prescription.
    • The tip of an eye-drop container can become contaminated if it comes in contact with skin, eyes or other surfaces.
      By: design56
      The tip of an eye-drop container can become contaminated if it comes in contact with skin, eyes or other surfaces.
    • Side effects of chloramphenicol eye drops may include mild eye pain.
      By: Laurent Hamels
      Side effects of chloramphenicol eye drops may include mild eye pain.
    • Blurry vision may be a mild side effect of chloramphenicol eye drops.
      By: Jonathan Stutz
      Blurry vision may be a mild side effect of chloramphenicol eye drops.