Cholfen Eye Ointment (Chloramphenicol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cholfen Eye Ointment Used For?
Cholfen Eye Ointment contains chloramphenicol, a synthetic antibiotic specifically designed to treat bacterial eye infections.
Primary Uses
This medication treats bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a bacterial infection affecting the mucous membrane on the surface of your eye. Common symptoms include sticky yellow-white discharge with mucus and pus (especially noticeable as ‘glued eyes’ when you wake up), gritty sensation in the eye, redness, irritation, and watery eyes. The infection typically starts in one eye and then spreads to the other.
How It Works
Chloramphenicol is a synthetic antibiotic that works by fighting the bacterial infection in your eye, helping to clear the symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading.
Good to know: This medication is available over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription and is preservative-free.
How to Take Cholfen Eye Ointment
Proper application technique is important for the medication to work effectively and safely.
Dosage Instructions
For adults and children 2 years and over: Apply 1.5 cm of ointment into the affected eye(s) every 3 hours. If using ointment with drops for day and night coverage, apply 1.5 cm before bedtime while using drops during the day. 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. Application steps: Wash hands thoroughly before and after use, tilt head back gently, pull lower eyelid down, squeeze 1.5 cm inside the lower eyelid without letting the tube tip touch your eye, eyelids or lashes, release eyelid slowly and close eyes gently for 1-2 minutes or blink to spread the ointment, blot excess with tissue.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply extra ointment to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Vision may be temporarily blurred after application. Avoid activities requiring good vision until it clears. If condition doesn’t improve after 2 days, seek medical advice.
Available Tablet Strengths
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
- burning sensation
- itching
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- eye irritation or swelling with itching or burning
- skin rashes or blisters
- fever
- allergic reactions including fever, rash, swelling of face, lips, mouth or sore throat that may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing
- shortness of breath
- swelling of hands, feet or ankles
Important Warnings
Certain people should not use this medication, and others need special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Cholfen Eye Ointment
Do not use if you are allergic to chloramphenicol or any ingredients listed. Do not use in children under 2 years unless directed by a doctor or optometrist. Do not use after the expiry date or if packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you or your family have blood disorders (like anemia) or bone marrow problems, have an injury to the cornea (as eye preparations may slow wound healing), wear contact lenses, are allergic to other antibiotic eye ointments, are using other eye ointments, have pain within your eye, swelling around the eye, blurred vision or light sensitivity, limited eye movement, abnormal pupils, cloudy-looking eyes, copious yellow-green discharge, eye injury or foreign body, recent welding without eye protection, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, similar past symptoms, recent eye surgery or laser treatment, recent overseas travel, feel unwell, or have any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this medication. Your healthcare provider will advise you of the risks and benefits.
Contact Lens Warning: Do not wear contact lenses during treatment. Hard or disposable lenses can be used again after completing treatment. Soft lenses require waiting 24 hours after treatment completion.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Cholfen Eye Ointment and affect how it works.
Tell Your Healthcare Provider: Inform all doctors, dentists, optometrists, and pharmacists about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking, including over-the-counter products.
- other eye ointments
Alcohol & Driving
This medication can temporarily affect your vision and ability to perform certain activities safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Cholfen Eye Ointment affects you. The ointment may temporarily distort your vision. Make sure you know how you react to it before driving, operating machinery, or doing anything else that could be dangerous.
Temperature Regulation
No temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C, protected from light. Do not store in bathrooms or near sinks. Do not leave in cars or on windowsills as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is recommended. Discard 4 weeks after opening. Take unused or expired medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
Accidental ingestion in adults is unlikely to cause toxicity due to low antibiotic content, but consult your doctor or Poison Information Centre. If accidentally ingested by infants or young children, immediately call your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia) for advice, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Urgent medical attention may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should continue treatment for at least 48 hours after your eye appears normal. If your condition doesn’t improve after 2 days of treatment, you should seek medical advice.
No, you should not wear contact lenses during treatment. If you wear hard or disposable lenses, you can start using them again after completing treatment. If you wear soft contact lenses, wait 24 hours after completing treatment before using them again.
Do not use for more than 5 days total except on medical advice. The medication should be discarded 4 weeks after opening.
Blot any excessive ointment from around your eye with a tissue. If you accidentally ingest the ointment, contact your doctor or Poison Information Centre, especially for infants and young children.
Yes, children 2 years and over can use this medication with the same dosage as adults (1.5 cm every 3 hours). Do not use in children under 2 years unless directed by a doctor or optometrist.
Vision may be temporarily blurred after application. This is normal. Avoid activities that require good visual ability until your vision clears. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
If your condition doesn’t get better after 2 days of treatment, seek medical advice. Do not use the medication for longer than prescribed without consulting your healthcare provider.
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.