Minims Chloramphenicol (Chloramphenicol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Minims Chloramphenicol Used For?
Minims Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic eye drop solution designed to treat bacterial eye infections.
Primary Uses
Treats bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a bacterial infection affecting the mucous membrane on the surface of the eye. Common symptoms include sticky yellow-white discharge with mucus and pus (especially glued eyes in the morning), gritty sensation in the eye, redness, irritation, and watering. The infection usually starts in one eye and spreads to the other.
How It Works
Contains chloramphenicol as the active ingredient, which works as a broad-spectrum antibiotic to fight bacterial infections in the eye.
Good to know: This medicine is developed specifically for eye use only and should not be swallowed or injected.
How to Take Minims Chloramphenicol
These eye drops come in single-use containers and should be used exactly as prescribed by your pharmacist, doctor, or optometrist.
Dosage Instructions
For adults and children 2 years and over: 1-2 drops in each affected eye every 2-6 hours for 2-3 days. The time between applications may then be increased. For severe infections, may require 1-2 drops every 15-20 minutes initially, then gradually reduce frequency as infection improves. 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. Each single-dose container should be thrown away immediately after use.
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, use it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal dosing schedule.
Important: Never use a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.
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:
- blurred vision and/or problems seeing clearly
- local eye irritation
- itching or burning
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reaction symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/other body parts, rash, itching or hives)
- blood disorder symptoms (bruising or bleeding more easily than usual, fatigue)
- effects to the body as a whole (swelling under skin, red itchy bumps or hives, fever, skin rash or blistering)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Minims Chloramphenicol should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Minims Chloramphenicol
Do not use if you are allergic to chloramphenicol or any ingredients listed. Should not be given to children less than 2 years old.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have: photophobia (light sensitivity), severe eye pain or swelling around the eye, loss of or blurred vision, restricted eye movement, cloudy-looking eyes, large amounts of thick yellow-green discharge, abnormal pupil, eye injury or foreign body in eye, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, any blood disorders, contact lens use, recent welding without eye protection, current use of other eye medications, eye surgery or laser treatment in past 6 months, individual or family history of bone marrow problems, recent overseas travel, similar past symptoms, or if you feel unwell.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Minims Chloramphenicol and affect how it works.
- Chymotrypsin (an eye drop used during cataract surgery)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with activities requiring clear vision until you know how this medication affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines or tools until you know how Minims Chloramphenicol affects you. It may cause blurred vision for a short time when instilled into the eye. Allow enough time to regain clear vision before driving or using machines.
Storage
Keep unopened eye drops in a refrigerator (2-8°C) where children cannot reach them. Do not freeze the eye drops or expose them to strong light. Discard each single dose unit and any remaining solution immediately after use. Do not save unused contents.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Minims Chloramphenicol, you may need urgent medical attention. Accidental swallowing is unlikely to cause bad side effects due to the low chloramphenicol content. If you think you or anyone else may have swallowed the drops or used too much, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (in Australia phone 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment typically lasts 2-3 days initially, with the interval between applications increased as the infection improves. Continue treatment for at least 48 hours after the eye appears normal.
No, you should stop wearing contact lenses while using Minims Chloramphenicol.
If you have irritation, pain, swelling, excessive tear production, or light sensitivity, flush the treated eye(s) with lots of room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. Stop using the drops and contact your doctor if symptoms persist.
Do not use for more than 5 days total except on medical advice. If the condition becomes worse or doesn’t improve after 2 days, seek medical advice.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never use a double dose.
No, each single dose unit and any remaining solution should be thrown away immediately after use. Do not save unused contents.
Yes, tell your doctor if you are to have or have had eye surgery, as your doctor may advise you to stop using Minims Chloramphenicol since it may slow corneal wound healing.
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.