Chloramphenicol Opthalmic
Uses of Chloramphenicol Opthalmic
Chloramphenicol Opthalmic is commonly used to treat bacterial, eye, ear infections as well as meningitis.
How Chloramphenicol Opthalmic Works
Chloramphenicol Opthalmic is an antibiotic. It works by binding to the site of protein synthesis, specifically the 50s subunit protein of the bacteria's ribosome. Thus, it causes the destruction of bacterial proteins.
Side Effects of Chloramphenicol Opthalmic
GI symptoms; bleeding; peripheral and optic neuritis, visual impairment, blindness; encephalopathy, confusion, delirium, mental depression, headache. Haemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency, Hypersensitivity reactions (rashes, fever and angioedema) Eye drop: Blurred vision. Ear drops: Ototoxicity.
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Chloramphenicol Opthalmic should be used with caution in patients with significantly impaired renal disease kidney disease. Dose adjustments may be needed. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Alcohol Safe
It is safe to have alcohol with Chloramphenicol Opthalmic
Pregnancy Not Safe
Chloramphenicol Opthalmic is not recommended in pregnant women. Some animal studies have shown side effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. Benefits may outweigh the risk in pregnant woman so please consult your doctor.
Driving Not advisable
It is not advised to drive after taking Chloramphenicol Opthalmic, especially if medication is taken in the form of eye drops as it may blur your vision causing disruption to the driver.
Liver Use With Care
Chloramphenicol Opthalmic should be used with caution in patients with significantly impaired liver disease. Dose adjustments may be needed. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Lactation Not Advisable
Chloramphenicol Opthalmic is contraindicated to patients who are currently breastfeeding as Chloramphenicol Opthalmic is excreted in the breastmilk and have cause adverse effects to breastfed infant such as loss of appetite and heavy vomitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
