Minims Chloramphenicol (Chloramphenicol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Minims Chloramphenicol Used For?
Minims Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic eye drop specifically designed to treat bacterial eye infections.
Primary Uses
This medication treats 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
Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by fighting bacterial infections in the eye.
Good to know: This medicine is developed specifically for eye use only and should not be swallowed or injected.
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How to Take Minims Chloramphenicol
These eye drops come in single-use containers that should be discarded immediately after use.
Dosage Instructions
For adults and children 2 years and over: Apply 1-2 drops into each affected eye every 2-6 hours for 2-3 days. The time between applications may be increased as the infection improves. For severe infections, you may need 1-2 drops every 15-20 minutes initially, then gradually reduce frequency as the infection is controlled. 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. If condition doesn’t improve after 2 days, seek medical advice.
Application Steps
1. Wash hands thoroughly. 2. Shake container and break seal. 3. Hold container upside down. 4. Pull down lower eyelid to form a pouch. 5. Tilt head back and look up. 6. Place container tip close to eyelid without touching the eye. 7. Squeeze 1-2 drops into the pouch. 8. Close eye without blinking or rubbing. 9. Press finger against inside corner of eye for 2 minutes. 10. Repeat for other eye if needed. 11. Discard container 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, apply 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. This may increase the chance of 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 sensation in the eye
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, hives)
- Blood disorder symptoms (unusual bruising or bleeding, fatigue)
- Body-wide effects (swelling under skin, red itchy bumps, fever, skin rash or blistering)
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before using this medication.
Who Should Not Take Minims Chloramphenicol
Do not use if you are allergic to chloramphenicol or any ingredients in this medication. This medication should not be given to children under 2 years old.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: photophobia (light sensitivity), severe eye pain or swelling around the eye, vision loss or blurred vision, restricted eye movement, cloudy-looking eyes, large amounts of thick yellow-green discharge, abnormal pupils, eye injury or foreign body in eye, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, blood disorders, recent eye surgery or laser treatment in past 6 months, history of bone marrow problems, recent overseas travel, or if you wear contact lenses.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before using this medication.
Contact Lens Warning: Stop wearing contact lenses while using this medication.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Minims Chloramphenicol works.
Tell your healthcare provider: Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, including those bought without prescription.
- Chymotrypsin (an eye drop used during cataract surgery)
Alcohol & Driving
This medication may temporarily affect your vision and ability to drive safely.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how this medication affects you. It may cause blurred vision for a short time after application. Allow enough time to regain clear vision before driving or operating machinery.
Storage
Keep unopened eye drops in the refrigerator at 2-8°C where children cannot reach them. Do not freeze or expose to strong light. Discard each single-dose container immediately after use – do not save unused contents.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Minims Chloramphenicol, seek urgent medical attention. Accidental swallowing is unlikely to cause serious side effects due to the low chloramphenicol content. If swallowing occurs, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (in Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should continue treatment for at least 48 hours after the eye appears normal. If the condition doesn’t improve after 2 days, seek medical advice.
No, you must stop wearing contact lenses while using this medication.
If you have irritation, pain, swelling, excessive tearing, or light sensitivity, flush the treated eye(s) with room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. Stop using the drops and contact your doctor if symptoms persist.
Keep unopened drops in the refrigerator at 2-8°C where children cannot reach them. Do not freeze or expose to strong light. Discard each container immediately after use.
Do not use for more than 5 days total except on medical advice. If your condition doesn’t improve after 2 days, seek medical advice.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, apply as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never double dose.
This medication can be used in children 2 years and older with the same dosage as adults. It should not be given to children under 2 years old.
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.