Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Chloramphenicol (Pharma Stulln)
What is Chloramphenicol used for?
- Chloramphenicol is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
- Antibacterial drugs like Chloramphenicol treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections.
How does Chloramphenicol work?
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that:
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic. It stops bacteria from growing and kills them.
What are the ingredients in Chloramphenicol?
Medicinal ingredient: Chloramphenicol
Non-medicinal ingredients: Mineral Oil, Polysorbate 60, White Petrolatum,
Chloramphenicol comes in the following dosage forms:
Ointment Solution 1.0% available in 3.5 grams tubes
Do not use Chloramphenicol if you:
- Are allergic to chloramphenicol or any other ingredients of Chloramphenicol
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Chloramphenicol. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have including if you:
- Experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists.
Other warnings you should know about:
- Do not use Chloramphenicol longer than directed by your doctor.
- If there is no improvement within two days of starting treatment, stop use and consult a physician.
Your vision may be blurred for a few minutes after using the product. Do not drive or operate machinery until you can see clearly.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals natural supplements or alternative medicines.
How to use Chloramphenicol :
- Although you may feel better early treatment, Chloramphenicol should be used exactly as directed.
- Misuse or overuse of Chloramphenicol could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by Chloramphenicol (resistance). This means that Chloramphenicol may not work for you in the future.
- Do not share your medicine.
- Follow your doctor’s instruction carefully about how much Chloramphenicol to apply and when to apply it.
- Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Chloramphenicol. When you have an eye infection, wearing contact lenses can make it worse.
Chloramphenicol Ophthalmic Ointment, 1.0%:
Apply a small amount to the lower conjunctiva sac(s) at bedtime as a supplement to the drops.
Applying Chloramphenicol Ophthalmic Solution into the eye:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Sit in front of a mirror so you can see what you are doing.
- Take the lid off the ointment.
- Tilt your head back.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid and look up.
- Hold the tube above the eye and gently squeeze a 1cm line of ointment along the inside of the lower eyelid, taking care not to touch the eye or eyelashes with the tip of the tube.
- Blink your eyes to spread the ointment over the surface of the eyeball.
- Your vision may be blurred when you open your eyes - DON'T rub your eyes. The blurring will clear after a few moments if you keep blinking.
- Repeat this procedure for the other eye if you have been advised to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Replace the cap on the tube.
- Take care not to touch the tip of the tube with your fingers.
Usual Dose:
Apply a small amount (1 cm strip) to the lower conjunctiva sac(s) at bedtime as a supplement to the drops.
Missed Dose:
If you missed a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose as directed by your doctor. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Overdose:
| If you think you have taken too much Chloramphenicol, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control center immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
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What are possible side effects from using Chloramphenicol?
These are not all the possible side effect you may feel when taking Chloramphenicol. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
| Serious side effects and what to do about them | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Allergic reaction with symptoms such as: swelling of the face, mouth, throat, lips, eyes, difficulty breathing, burning and/or painful red eyes, tearing, skin reactions (rash, blisters, hives). | √ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional. Reporting Suspected Side Effects You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
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Storage:
Store between 15°C and 30°C. Keep container tightly
If you want more information about Chloramphenicol:
- Talk to your healthcare professional.
- Find the full prescribing information that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html) or by calling 1-833-278-8556