Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis 1% w/w Eye Ointment Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis 1% w/w Eye Ointment

Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis 1% w/w Eye Ointment is a topical ointment for the eye. It contains an antibiotic called chloramphenicol and is used to treat bacterial infections that affect the outer surface of the eye.

The most common type of infection in this area is called acute bacterial conjunctivitis. When you have acute bacterial conjunctivitis the white part of one or both of your eyes will be red and /or your eyelids will be red or swollen. There will be a sticky discharge, which can make the eye difficult to open in the morning and the eye may feel 'gritty' or 'irritated'.

Approved by Claire Makey - Pharmacist on the 24/05/2021.
For more information, view our medical team

Applying the ointment To be used in the eye(s) only.

 1. Check the tube seal is not broken before first using the eye ointment.

2. Wash and dry your hands

3. Remove the cap. Take special care that the nozzle of the tube does not touch your eye, the skin around your eye or your fingers.

4. Use a mirror, this will help you see what you are doing

5. Place the nozzle of the tube close to your eye. Gently pull the lower eyelid downwards and look up.

6. Squeeze the tube gently and apply about 1cm of the ointment to the space between the lower eyelid and the eye.

 7. Close for a moment

8. When both eyes are to be treated, repeat steps 5-7 .

9. Replace the cap securely after use.

Whilst applying the ointment, do not • Breathe on or touch the nozzle of the tube • Touch the eyes or eyelids with the nozzle of the tube • Share your ointment with anyone else For external use only

The dose is a small amount of ointment (approx 1cm) to be applied to the affected eye(s) If you are using drops during the day and the ointment at night - apply the ointment at night, before going to bed. If you are using just the ointment - apply 3 to 4 times a day.

 Length of treatment The course of treatment is 5 days. Keep using the eye ointment for 5 days, do not stop just because you feel better - this could make your condition worse. If your symptoms do not improve within 48 hours, consult your doctor. If your symptoms get worse, seek medical advice at once.

Do not use Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis 1% w/w Eye Ointment for more than 5 days without consulting your doctor. Discard any remaining ointment after the 5 day course of treatment. If you forget to use your ointment If you have only just missed a dose and it is a long time before the next dose is due, put in the missed dose of ointment straight away. If it is nearly time for your next dose, just put in the next dose of ointment at the usual time.

 Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis 1% w/w Eye Ointment is recommended for children over 2 years, adults and the elderly. It is recommended that any child below the age of two years with an eye infection should be seen by a doctor.

 Do not use this product if you • are allergic to chloramphenicol or any of the ingredients shown under 'Ingredients' “Contents of the pack and other information” • have ever had problems with your blood (in particular with low numbers of blood cells) during previous treatmentswith chloramphenicol • have a family history of blood problems such as low white blood cell, red blood cell or platelet count. Do not use this product and seek advice from a doctor if • your eyesight is affected (loss of sight, reduced vision, blurred vision or halos around lights) • you have painwithin the eye • your eye has suffered a blow or other injury • your eye is inflamed and you have a rash on the scalp or face • the pupil of your eye looks unusual or your eye looks cloudy • your eyes are sensitive to light • you have (or think you have) a foreign body in your eye, which has not been removed • you have recently had an eye infection • you suffer from or have ever suffered from glaucoma or dry eye syndrome • you wear contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses and your contact lens practitioner or doctor has advised you to use this product, do not wear your lenses during the course of treatment. Wear your glasses instead. Soft contact lenses should not be replaced for 24 hours after completing the treatment. • you are using any other eye drops or eye ointment • you have had eye surgery or laser treatment in the last 6 months.

Tell your pharmacist before using this product if you • suffer from any other eye problems. • are taking any other medicines Other medicines and Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis 1% w/w Eye Ointment If you are taking bone marrow depressant medicines (medicines which decrease the activity of the bone marrow, causing low blood cell counts) such as azathioprine or receiving chemotherapy, seek the advice of your pharmacist or your doctor before using this product.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding tell your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. Driving and operating machinery After using the eye ointment, you may temporarily get blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision is clear. If in doubt, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some people may get one or more of these side effects. Some effects happen straight away but do not last long - others may only happen after several days of use.

 Possible side effects include : • allergic reactions such as itching or rashes. If you get a severe reaction, with swelling or breathing problems get medical help straight away • changes in the blood (anaemia) leading to severe tiredness or easy bruising. Stop using the treatment and consult your doctor if you experience these effects. • The use of topical chloramphenicol may occasionally result in the overgrowth of other non susceptible organisms including funghi. If any new infection appears during treatment you should tell your doctor. • blurred vision or mild burning or stingingwhen you put the ointment in. These should subside quickly. If you do not feel well or are worried about your health, talk to a pharmacist or doctor.

If any of the side effects get serious or if you experience any side effect not listed in this leaflet please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting of side effects 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 By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

The active substance is chloramphenicol. One ( 1 ) gram of ointment contains 10 mg of chloramphenicol.

The other ingredients are liquid paraffin and white petroleum.

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