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The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 00062/0051.
Optrex Infected Eye Drops
Optrex™ INFECTED EYE DROPS
Chloramphenicol
Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.
1. What Optrex Infected Eye Drops is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Optrex Infected Eye Drops
3. How to use Optrex Infected Eye Drops
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Optrex Infected Eye Drops
6. Contents of the pack and other information
Optrex Infected Eye Drops contain an antibiotic called chloramphenicol. It is used to treat bacterial infections that affect the front surfaces of the eye.
The most common type of infection in this area is called acute bacterial conjunctivitis. When you have this condition, 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’.
Chloramphenicol eye drops are not suitable for treating eye infections that have spread to the deeper layers of the eye coverings or into the fluid within the eyeball. Antibiotic tablets or injections are needed to treat these deeper, more serious infections.
Optrex Infected Eye Drops are recommended for use in children aged 2 years and over, in adults and the elderly. A child below the age of 2 years with an eye infection should see a doctor.
Do not use this product if you
If you are taking bone marrow depressant drugs (drugs which decrease the activity of the bone marrow, causing low blood cell counts) such as azathioprine or are receiving chemotherapy, seek the advice of your pharmacist or your doctor before using this product.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.
After using the drops, 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.
Contains phenylmercuric nitrate which may cause allergic reactions.
To be used in the eye(s) only.
1. Check the seal is not broken before first use.
2. Wash and dry your hands.
3. Remove the plastic cap from the eye drop tip.
4. Tilt your head back while seated or lie down on your back.
5. Gently pull the lower eyelid downwards and look up.
6. Place the tip of the bottle close to your eye. Squeeze the bottle and let one drop fall into the space between the lower eyelid and the eye. Take care that the tip of the bottle does not touch your eye, the skin around your eye or your fingers.
7. Close your eye for a moment.
8. When both eyes are to be treated, repeat for the other eye
9. Replace the cap straight away.
Whilst applying the drops, do not
For external use only.
Adults, children aged over 2 years, and elderly:
Apply one drop to the affected eye(s) every 2 hours for the first two days and 4 hourly thereafter. Use during waking hours only.
The course of treatment is 5 days. Keep using these eye drops 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 Infected Eye Drops for more than 5 days without consulting your doctor.
Discard any remaining eye drops after the 5 day course of treatment. Do not use in children under 2 years of age.
Wash your eyes with plenty of water and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Symptoms of local overdose may include eye irritation, pain, swelling, tears in the eye, sensitivity to light.
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 drops straight away. If you missed the dose some time ago and it is nearly time for your next dose, just put in the next dose of drops at the right time. Never double up on a dose to make up for the one you have missed.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
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.
Replace the cap securely after use. Store at 2°C to 8°C. This is the temperature of most domestic refrigerators.
Keep this and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the ‘use by’ date shown on the bottle. Discard any unused product within 28 days of opening.Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment.
Each pack contains 10ml of the drops. The drops contain 0.5% w/v chloramphenicol, which is equivalent to 5mg of chloramphenicol per millilitre. They also contain purified water, boric acid, borax and phenylmercuric nitrate.
If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your pharmacist or doctor. They can obtain more information about this medicine if needed.
Licence holder:
Manufacturer:
PL 00062/0051.
Leaflet revised April 2024