Chlorsig eye ointment 1% (Chloramphenicol) used

Chlorsig eye ointment 1% (Chloramphenicol) is a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, including conjunctivitis, which causes the infected eye and eyelid to become sore red and inflamed, with a sticky discharge and crust formation on the eyelids that can make the eyes stick together. Chlorsig eye ointment 1% (Chloramphenicol) acts directly on the infection in the eye to relieve symptoms and prevent spread of the infection.

Chlorsig eye ointment 1% (Chloramphenicol) work

Chlorsig eye ointment 1% (Chloramphenicol) contains chloramphenicol, a broad spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, like conjunctivitis that can be caused by a variety of different bacteria, including Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, Moraxella species and Enterobacteriaceae. Chloramphenicol in Chlorsig eye ointment 4g acts by blocking bacterial protein synthesis so that the bacteria cannot produce proteins that are needed for its growth. This kills chloramphenicol-sensitive bacteria and prevents spread of infection in the eye which relieves the symptoms caused by bacterial conjunctivitis.

How to apply Chlorsig eye ointment:

wash hands thoroughly before and after use

tilt head back gently

gently pull lower eyelid down

squeeze 1.5 cm of eye ointment inside the lower eyelid, but do not let the tip of the tube touch the eye, eyelids or lashes

release the eyelid slowly and close eyes gently for 1-2 minutes or blink a few times to help spread the ointment over the eye

blot excessive ointment from around the eye with a tissue

to minimise contamination, do not allow the tip to contact the surface of the eye.

vision may be temporarily blurred. Avoid activities that require good visual ability until vision clears.

How long to use it

Chlorsig should be used for up to 5 days or as directed by your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist.

If you forget to use it

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use your next dose when next due.

Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember, and then go back to using it as you would normally.

If you are unsure about whether to use your next dose, speak to your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist

Do not try to make up for missed doses by using more than one dose at a time. This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you use too much (overdose):

Accidental ingestion of the drug in adults is unlikely to cause any toxicity due to the low content of antibiotic, but consult your doctor or Poison Information Centre (see below).

If the eye drops are accidentally ingested by infants or young children, immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Urgent medical attention may be needed.

While you are using it

Things you must do

Use Chlorsig exactly as directed.

Tell all doctors, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using Chlorsig.

Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are using Chlorsig.

Always discuss with your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist any problems or difficulties during or after using this medicine.

Tell your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as prescribed. Otherwise they may think that it was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.

Things you must not do

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Chlorsig affects you. Chlorsig may distort your vision temporarily. Make sure you know how you react to it before you drive a car, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Do not use Chlorsig for a longer time than your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist has prescribed.

Do not increase the dose, without first checking with your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist.

Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints without checking with your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist.

Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Side effects

Tell your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Chlorsig. All medicines have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

Ask your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Tell your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist immediately if you notice any of the following:

eye irritation or swelling that may include itching or burning

skin rashes or blisters

fever.

If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:

allergic reactions including fever, rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or sore throat that may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, shortness of breath, swelling of the hands, feet or ankles.

Tell your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist if you have any other problems while using Chlorsig even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or are not listed in this leaflet. Other side effects may also occur in some people.

After using it

Storage

Chlorsig eye drops:
Store unopened bottles in a refrigerator, protected from light, where the temperature stays between 2-8°C. Do not freeze. After opening, store at room temperature (below 25°C).
Discard 4 weeks after opening. Protect from light.

Chlorsig eye ointment:
Store in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C. Discard 4 weeks after opening.

Do not store Chlorsig in a bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it in the car or on windowsills.Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep Chlorsig out of the reach of children. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist tells you to stop using Chlorsig or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.