In this Article

• What is chloramphenicol ophthalmic (Chloroptic)?
• What are the possible side effects of chloramphenicol ophthalmic (Chloroptic)?
• What is the most important information I should know about chloramphenicol ophthalmic (Chloroptic)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using chloramphenicol ophthalmic (Chloroptic)?
• How should I use chloramphenicol ophthalmic (Chloroptic)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Chloroptic)?
• What happens if I overdose (Chloroptic)?
• What should I avoid while using chloramphenicol ophthalmic (Chloroptic)?
• What other drugs will affect chloramphenicol ophthalmic (Chloroptic)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using chloramphenicol ophthalmic (Chloroptic)?

Do not use chloramphenicol ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used only to treat infections caused by bacteria.

It is not known whether chloramphenicol ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use chloramphenicol ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether chloramphenicol ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use chloramphenicol ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use chloramphenicol ophthalmic (Chloroptic)?

Use chloramphenicol ophthalmic eyedrops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using your eyedrops or ointment.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

To apply the ointment:

• Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before your next application.

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store chloramphenicol ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.