Optrex Infected Eye Drops - 10ml

Optrex Infected Eye Drops 10ml are antibiotic eye drops containing chloramphenicol 0.5% w/v for the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis (a bacterial infection affecting the front surface of the eye).

Typical symptoms of acute bacterial conjunctivitis include:

• Redness of one or both eyes and/or red, swollen eyelids
• Sticky discharge, often making the eye difficult to open in the morning
• A gritty, irritated feeling

Important: Chloramphenicol eye drops are not suitable for infections that have spread deeper into the eye. More serious infections may need oral antibiotics or injections.

Medicine status: Pharmacy-only medicine (P). Use exactly as directed and complete the full course.

For use in the eye(s) only. Use during waking hours only.

Dose (Adults, elderly, and children aged 2 years and over)

• Apply 1 drop to the affected eye(s) every 2 hours for the first 2 days, then every 4 hours thereafter.

Length of treatment

• 5-day course. Keep using for the full 5 days, even if symptoms improve earlier.
• Do not use for more than 5 days without medical advice.
• If symptoms do not improve within 48 hours, consult a doctor. If symptoms worsen, seek medical advice urgently.

How to apply (clean technique)

1. Check the seal is not broken before first use.
2. Wash and dry hands.
3. Remove the cap.
4. Tilt head back and gently pull down the lower eyelid.
5. Hold the tip close to the eye and let one drop fall into the space between the lower eyelid and the eye.
6. Avoid the tip touching the eye, eyelids, skin around the eye, or fingers.
7. Close the eye briefly; repeat for the other eye if needed.
8. Replace the cap straight away.

Hygiene rules

• Do not breathe on or touch the dropper nozzle.
• Do not touch the eyes/eyelids with the nozzle.
• Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.

After opening

• Discard any unused product within 28 days of opening.
• Also discard any remaining drops after completing the 5-day course.

Active ingredient

• Chloramphenicol 0.5% w/v (equivalent to 5 mg per ml).

Other ingredients

• Purified water
• Boric acid
• Borax
• Phenylmercuric nitrate 

Do not use

• If you are allergic to chloramphenicol or any ingredient.
• If you have ever had blood problems (very low blood cell counts) during previous chloramphenicol treatment, bone-marrow depression, or a family history of significant blood disorders.
• In children under 2 years.

Do not use and seek medical advice urgently if

• Vision is affected (loss/reduction of vision, persistent blurred vision, halos around lights)
• You have pain within the eye
• The eye has suffered a blow or injury
• The pupil looks unusual, the eye looks cloudy, or you are sensitive to light
• You think there is a foreign body in the eye that has not been removed
• You have recently had an eye infection
• You have (or have had) glaucoma or dry eye syndrome
• You wear contact lenses (see below)
• You are using other eye drops/ointment
• You have had eye surgery or laser treatment in the last 6 months

Contact lenses

• If advised to use this product, do not wear contact lenses during the course of treatment.
• Soft contact lenses should not be replaced for 24 hours after completing treatment.

Possible side effects

• Stop and get medical help immediately if you experience allergic reactions (itching, rash, fever, swelling, hives, wheeze, breathing difficulty) or changes in blood leading to severe tiredness or easy bruising.
• Other effects may include blurred vision, eye irritation, mild burning/stinging when applying drops.
• Rarely, overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms (including fungi) can occur; seek advice if a new infection appears during treatment.
• Discolouration/clouding of the cornea or lens, and irritation around the eyes, have been reported and may be linked to the preservative (phenylmercuric nitrate).

Driving and machinery

• Temporary blurred vision may occur after using the drops. Do not drive or operate machinery until vision is clear.

Storage

• Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C and replace cap securely after use.