Patient Leaflet Updated 11-Jun-2020 | THE BOOTS COMPANY PLC
Boots Infected Eyes 1%w/w Eye Ointment
Boots Infected Eyes 1% w/w Eye Ointment
(Chloramphenicol)
Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your pharmacist has told you.
In this leaflet you will find the following information:
1. What your medicine is and what it is used for
2. Before you use your medicine
3. How to use your medicine
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store your medicine
6. Contents of the pack and other information
It is an eye ointment and each tube contains 4 grams of the medicine. The active ingredient in this ointment is chloramphenicol, which is an antibiotic (medicines used for infections caused by bacteria).
This ointment is used to treat acute bacterial conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the outer surface of the eye that causes redness, discomfort and discharge from the affected eye. However, this ointment is not suitable for treating severe infections that have spread to the deeper layers of the eye.
This ointment is for children over 2 years, adults and the elderly. Do not use in children below the age of 2 years without advice from a doctor.
Do not use this ointment and seek advice from a doctor if
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
Do not use this ointment if you are taking bone marrow depressant drugs (drugs which reduce bone marrow activity resulting in low blood cell counts) such as azathioprine or receiving chemotherapy.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this ointment.
Do not drive or operate machines if you have blurred vision after using this ointment. You should wait until your vision clears before driving or using machines.
Children, over 2 years, adults and the elderly:
The dose is about 1 cm of ointment to be put in the affected eye(s).
If using just the eye ointment, use it 3 to 4 times a day.
If using eye drops during the day and the ointment at night - put the ointment in just before going to bed.
The course of treatment is 5 days; so, keep using the ointment for 5 days even if you feel better.
1. Always wash and dry your hands before you put the eye ointment in the eye.
2. Remove the cap.
3. Take special care that the nozzle of the tube does not touch your eye, the skin around your eye or your fingers.
4. You may use a mirror to help you see what you are doing.
5. Place the nozzle of the tube close to your eye and gently pull the lower eyelid downwards and look up.
6. Squeeze the tube gently and put about 1cm of ointment in the space between the lower lid and the eye.
7. Close your eye for a moment.
8. Where both eyes are to be treated, repeat steps from 3 to 7.
9. Replace the cap securely after use.
Do not
If you use too much or swallow your ointment, contact your doctor although it is unlikely to cause you any harm.
If you forget to use a dose of this ointment, put it in as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for the next dose then miss the skipped dose and return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Talk to your doctor if your eyes do not improve within 48 hours.
If your symptoms get worse seek medical advice immediately.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this ointment can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Stop using this ointment and immediately contact your doctor if you get any of the following symptoms (general allergic reaction): breathing problems, fever, swelling of the face, lips or tongue or rash with swelling of the skin.
Or, very rarely, bruising, bleeding, infections and weakness (symptoms of blood disorder).
As with other eye preparations, you may occasionally experience eye burning, stinging, sensitivity or visual blurring after initial application. If this continues or increases, stop using the ointment.
Chloramphenicol may not work against certain types of infections and other types of bacteria or fungi, which are not killed, may take over from the original infection. This may seem as if the original infection has not cleared up or has got worse.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not store the tube above 25°C.
Do not use this ointment after the expiry date which is stated on the tube and the carton.
After 5 days throw away any eye ointment left. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
The active ingredient in Infected Eyes 1% w/w Eye Ointment is chloramphenicol 1% w/w which is equivalent to chloramphenicol 10 mg per gram. This product also contains liquid paraffin and white petroleum as excipients.
Each tube of Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment contains 4 grams of yellowish-white ointment.
PL Number: 31103/0018
This leaflet was last revised in 03/2020
Other formats
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0800 198 5000 (UK only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name: Boots Infected Eyes 1% w/w Eye Ointment
Reference Number: 31103/0018
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
Artwork Reference WBAG416151
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