Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Chloramphenicol otic

Chloramphenicol otic Drug Category CHLORAMPHENICOL - OPHTHALMIC, OTIC

Chloramphenicol otic Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. CHLORAMPHENICOL - OPHTHALMIC, OTIC (klor-am-FEN-eh-coal) WARNING: Very rarely, serious, sometimes fatal blood disorders (e.g., bone marrow hypoplasia, aplastic anemia) have occurred while using this medication. Chloramphenicol should not be used if safer, effective medications can be used. Immediately notify your doctor if you have easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat, fever, or unusual fatigue. USES: This medication is used to treat infections of the eye (ophthalmic) or ear (otic). Do not use chloramphenicol if safer, effective medications can be used. HOW TO USE: Use this as prescribed. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection. To apply eye or ear medication, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or tube or let it touch the affected area. Shake drops well before using. Hold the ointment tube in your hand for a few minutes to make the medication flow easier. EYE MEDICATION: Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. For drops, place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. With eye ointment, place medication inside the lower lid using a sweeping motion. Close eye and roll the eyeball. Remove excess ointment with a tissue. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. If you are using another kind of eye medication, wait five to ten minutes before applying. EAR MEDICATION: Lie on your side or turn the affected ear upward to make application easier. Place the prescribed number of drops in the ear. Avoid touching the ear canal. Keep the ear tilted for one to two minutes. A small piece of clean cotton may be placed in the ear to prevent drops from escaping. If your illness does not improve or worsens, or if you develop new symptoms, inform your doctor. SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may temporarily sting when first applied. If this effect persists or worsens, inform your doctor promptly. Immediately notify your doctor if you develop: easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat, fever, unusual fatigue. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, redness, swelling or discharge (including the eye or ear area), trouble breathing, hives. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: previous eye or ear problems, contact lens use, allergies (especially drug allergies). Vision may be temporarily blurred after applying eye medication. Use caution driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. This and all medications should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: silver preparations, other eye or ear antibiotic drugs, corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. NOTES: Throw away any unused part of your prescription. Do not save it to use for another infection. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication. The infection may spread to another person if you accidentally contaminate the medication. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Depending upon the manufacturer, the product may be stored at room temperature or refrigerated. Ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Discard unused medication after 21 days.