How and when to use chloramphenicol

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

How to use it

To use all types of chloramphenicol:

• always wash your hands before and after using it – 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 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 to put drops in your eyes, or to the side to put drops in your ears

Use chloramphenicol before the expiry date and within 4 weeks of opening.

When you've finished your treatment, take any leftover medicine back to the pharmacy so they can dispose of it safely.

If you usually wear contact lenses, do not wear them while you're using chloramphenicol eye drops or ointment.

If you use soft contact lenses, wait for 24 hours after your last dose of eye drops or ointment before using your contact lenses again.