Cholfen Eye Drops (Chloramphenicol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cholfen Eye Drops Used For?
Cholfen Eye Drops contains chloramphenicol, a synthetic antibiotic specifically designed to treat bacterial eye infections.
Primary Uses
Cholfen Eye Drops is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a bacterial infection of the mucous membrane covering the surface of the eye. Common symptoms include sticky yellow-white discharge with mucus and pus (especially noticeable in the morning), gritty sensation in the eye, redness, irritation, and watering. The infection typically starts in one eye and can spread to the other.
How It Works
Cholfen Eye Drops contains chloramphenicol, a synthetic antibiotic that works by fighting bacterial infections in the eye.
Good to know: This medication is available over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription for treating bacterial conjunctivitis.
How to Take Cholfen Eye Drops
Follow the dosage instructions carefully and use proper application technique to ensure the medication works effectively.
Dosage Instructions
For adults and children 2 years and over: Apply 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 2 to 6 hours for 2 to 3 days. After the first few days, you may increase the time between applications. Continue treatment for at least 48 hours after the eye appears normal. Do not use for more than 5 days total except on medical advice. Do not use in children under 2 years except on doctor’s advice. To apply: wash hands thoroughly, tilt head back, gently pull down lower lid to form a pouch, hold dropper near lid without touching eye, apply one drop, close eyes without rubbing, apply gentle pressure to bridge of nose for one minute, and blot excess with tissue.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Otherwise, apply the drops as soon as you remember, then return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not try to make up for missed doses by using more than one dose at a time.
Important: Never use more than the recommended dose and do not use for longer than 5 days without medical advice. If condition worsens or doesn’t improve after 2 days, seek immediate medical attention.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- eye irritation or swelling that may include itching or burning
- skin rashes or blisters
- fever
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions including fever, rash, swelling of face/lips/mouth, sore throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing, shortness of breath, swelling of hands/feet/ankles
Important Warnings
Before using Cholfen Eye Drops, it’s important to understand who should not use this medication and what conditions require special consideration.
Who Should Not Take Cholfen Eye Drops
Do not use if you are allergic to chloramphenicol or any ingredients in the drops. Do not use if the packaging is torn, broken, or shows signs of tampering, or after the expiry date. Signs of allergic reaction include irritation, pain and swelling in the eye, skin rashes, blisters, and fever.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you or your family have blood disorders (like anemia) or bone marrow problems, have an injury to the cornea, wear contact lenses, are allergic to other antibiotic eye drops, are using other eye medications, have eye pain, swelling around the eye, blurred vision, limited eye movement, abnormal pupils, cloudy eyes, copious yellow-green discharge, eye injury, recent welding without protection, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, previous similar symptoms, recent eye surgery, recent overseas travel, or any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Cholfen Eye Drops.
Contact Lens Warning: Do not wear contact lenses during treatment. Wait 24 hours after completing treatment before using soft contact lenses again.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Cholfen Eye Drops and affect how it works.
Tell Your Healthcare Provider: Inform all doctors, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists that you are using Cholfen Eye Drops, and tell them about all other medicines you’re taking.
- other eye drops
- eye ointments
Alcohol & Driving
Cholfen Eye Drops may temporarily affect your vision, so take precautions when driving or operating machinery.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Cholfen Eye Drops affects you. The medication may temporarily distort your vision, so make sure you know how you react to it before engaging in potentially dangerous activities.
Storage
Store unopened bottles in the refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. After opening, store at room temperature below 25°C and discard 4 weeks after opening. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms or cars. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
Accidental ingestion by adults is unlikely to cause toxicity due to the low antibiotic content, but consult your doctor or Poison Information Centre. If accidentally ingested by infants or young children, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should continue treatment for at least 48 hours after the eye appears normal. If your condition doesn’t improve after 2 days, seek immediate medical advice.
No, contact lenses should not be worn during treatment. If you wear hard or disposable lenses, you can resume use after completing treatment. For soft lenses, wait 24 hours after finishing treatment.
Do not use for more than 5 days total except on medical advice. Treatment typically lasts 2-3 days initially, with continued use for at least 48 hours after the eye appears normal.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, apply as soon as you remember and return to your regular schedule. Never double dose to make up for a missed application.
Yes, children 2 years and older can use the same dosage as adults (1-2 drops every 2-6 hours). Do not use in children under 2 years except on doctor’s advice.
Stop and seek medical attention if you experience allergic reactions like swelling, rash, fever, or breathing difficulties. Also seek help if your condition worsens or doesn’t improve after 2 days.
After opening, store at room temperature below 25°C and discard 4 weeks after opening. Before opening, store in the refrigerator at 2-8°C. Always protect from light.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.