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module menu icon Chloramphenicol: side effects and contraindications

  • There may be mild and transient stinging or burning in the eye on application and blurring of vision.
  • Chloramphenicol eye drops or eye ointment should not be used in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol or who have experienced myelosuppression during previous exposure to chloramphenicol, or those with a family history of blood dyscrasias.
  • The products are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Prolonged or frequent intermittent topical application of chloramphenicol should be avoided as it may increase the likelihood of sensitisation and emergence of resistant organisms.
  • Contact lenses should not be worn during the course of treatment, and soft contact lenses should not be replaced for 24 hours after completing treatment.
  • In the pharmacy, chloramphenicol eye drops should be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8C. Once opened, the drops should be discarded after five days. Storage for chloramphenicol eye ointment is at room temperature. Although the shelf-life once opened is 28 days, patients should be advised to discard the tube at the end of the five day course.
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