CHLORAMPHENICOL

Question 1

What is chloramphenicol used for?

Answer 1

• Used to treat bacterial infections that affect the front surfaces of the eye
• The most common infection = acute bacterial conjunctivitis

Question 2

Who is allowed to use chloramphenicol?

Answer 2

Children aged 2+, adults and elderly

Question 3

What should you tell your doctor before using chloramphenicol?

Answer 3

• If your eyesight is affected
• If you have pain within the eye
• Your eyes look cloudy/swelling/pain

Question 4

State counselling points for use of chloramphenicol

Answer 4

• If you wear contact lenses they need to be removed - wait 24 hours after you take your last dose before wearing them again
• Store in fridge

Question 5

State the dosage.

Answer 5

Adults, elderly, 2+: one drop every 2 hours for first 48 hrs and after this one drop every 4 hours

Question 6

Side effects

Answer 6

• Changes in the blood leading to severe tiredness or easy bruising
• Discolouration or clouding of the eye surface
• Blurred vision/mild burning/stinging