Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 3, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Ocu-Chlor
In Canada
- Ak-Chlor
- Chloromycetin
- Chloroptic
- Fenicol
- Isopto Fenicol
- Minims Chloramphenicol 0.5%
- Ophtho-Chloram
- Pentamycetin Ophthalmic Solution 0.25%
- Pentamycetin Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%
- Pms-Chloramphenicol
- Sopamycetin
Chemical Class: Chloramphenicol (class)
Uses for chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol belongs to the family of medicines called antibiotics. Chloramphenicol ophthalmic preparations are used to treat infections of the eye. Chloramphenicol may be given alone or with other medicines that are taken by mouth for eye infections.
Chloramphenicol is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using chloramphenicol
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For chloramphenicol, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to chloramphenicol or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Studies on chloramphenicol have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of chloramphenicol in children with use in other age groups.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of chloramphenicol in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
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