Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops (FAMAR)
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Chloramphenicol may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Chloramphenicol belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics. An antibiotic is a medicine which is used for the treatment of a variety of infections caused by bacteria. Chloramphenicol Ear Drops are used in the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections of the outer ear.
What you need to know before you take it
e Chloramphenicol Ear Drops Do not use Chloramphenicol Ear Drops if:
- you are allergic to Chloramphenicol, or any of the ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- you have a hole in your ear drum.
- you or someone in your family ever had a blood disorder or bone marrow disease including anemia (decrease in the number of red blood cells) when using chloramphenicol in the past.
- you have a family history of "dyscrasias", a condition which can cause tiredness, bruising and an increased risk of infections.
Warnings and Precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Chloramphenicol Ear Drops if:
- If you use chloramphenicol ear drops for a long time, your doctor may do some blood tests to check for any problems.
Other medicines and Chloramphenicol Ear Drops Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken or might
take any other medicines. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- medicines for cancer such as methotrexate
- medicines for the immune system such as azathioprine
- the dietary supplement chymotrypsin
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility Chloramphenicol should not be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding unless considered essential by your doctor, as the effects are unknown. If you are a pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
Driving and using machines It is unlikely that after using Chloramphenicol Ear Drops your ability to drive and use machines will be affected. However, if you feel unwell you must speak to your doctor before driving or operating machinery.
Chloramphenicol Ear Drops contain propylene glycol. This medicine contains 0.95g of propylene glycol in 1ml which is equivalent to 95% w/v.
How to take it
Chloramphenicol Ear Drops Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Instructions for use 1. Wash your hands well before use 2. Remove the outer cap on the bottle 3. After cap is removed, if the tamper evident snap collar is loose, please remove before using the product. Take care not to touch the end of the nozzle. 4. Insert the nozzle into the affected ear and apply drops as advised by your doctor 5. Repeat in the other ear if you have been told to use Chloramphenicol Ear Drops in both ears 6. Replace the outer cap on the bottle, trying not to touch the applicator tip with anything, including the fingers 7. Wash your hands.
How much to use Three to four drops should be applied into the affected ear up to two to three times daily for up to one week. Do not use Chloramphenicol Ear Drops for more than a one week period unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
100mm Measurement Verification Bar
If you use more chloramphenicol than you should Chloramphenicol Ear Drops are for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any Chloramphenicol Ear Drops, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty. If you forget to use Chloramphenicol Ear Drops Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose do not worry, take your next dose at the normal time. Do not use extra drops to make up. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 4. Possible side effects Like all medicines Chloramphenicol Ear Drops can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Possible side effects
you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. D06506
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How to store it
Chloramphenicol Ear Drops Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Chloramphenicol Ear Drops after the expiry date printed on the bottle label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicine needs to be stored upright between 2-8°C (in a refrigerator). Protect from light. Do not allow it to freeze. Once you have opened the bottle it should not be used after four weeks. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Chloramphenicol Ear Drops contain The active ingredient is Chloramphenicol 5% w/v. The other ingredient is Propylene Glycol (95%).
Stop using your medicine and tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you experience the following side effects:
- Wheeziness (shortness of breath), fever, swelling of your face, lips or tongue, itching or rash with swelling of skin (the rash could be puffy (swollen) or blotchy, or look like little blisters.
- A sore throat, bruising or being unable to overcome an infection. On very rare occasions, patients using chloramphenicol have had changes in their blood cells causing severe tiredness or easy bruising.
What Chloramphenicol Ear Drops look like and contents of the pack Chloramphenicol Ear Drops are supplied in plastic bottles, each bottle containing 10ml of solution.
Possible side effects include:
- inflammation of the skin (dermatitis).
If you would like any more information, or would like the leaflet in a different format, please contact Medical Information at the above address. Product Licence Number: PL 00156/0050 This leaflet was last revised in: July 2025
Rare side effects include:
- bone marrow depression (a condition where the marrow is unable to produce blood cells)
- a reduced production and death of red blood cells (anaemia)
Marketing Authorisation Holder Martindale Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Bampton Road, Romford, RM3 8UG, England Manufacturer Famar A.V.E Alimos Plant 63, Agiou Dimitriou str, Alimos, Attiki 17456, Greece
Long term use of this product can stop it having any effect. Serious side effects are possible if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant during your course of treatment, stop immediately and consult your doctor. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme. Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting
Frequently asked questions about Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops (FAMAR)
How do I take Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops (FAMAR)?
Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops (FAMAR) comes as ear drops. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops (FAMAR)?
The active substance in Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops (FAMAR) is chloramphenicol.
Are there equivalent medicines to Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops (FAMAR)?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Chloramphenicol 10% w/v Ear Drops, Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops (FAMAR), as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops (FAMAR) without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: chloramphenicol
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Chloramphenicol is a broad spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic. It is active against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms, including Salmonella typhi, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Bacteroides fragilis. It has antirickettsial and antichlamydial activity. It is indicated for the topical treatment of bacterial infection of the external ear caused by pathogens which are sensitive to it.
Chloramphenicol is indicated in adults and children.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Adults, Children and the Elderly
Apply 3 - 4 drops into the affected ear 2 - 3 times daily for up to 1 week.
Following administration of ear drops patients should be advised to lie down with the affected ear uppermost for a minimum of 10 minutes. After this time cotton wool may be inserted into the ear and normal activities resumed.
Infants
Only use if considered essential by the physician.
Method of administration
For topical use
4.3. Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1
• If the ear drum is perforated.
• Myelosuppression during previous exposure to chloramphenicol.
• Known personal or family history of blood dyscrasias including aplastic anaemia
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Avoid use for more than 1 week as this may result in sensitivity to chloramphenicol or the emergence of resistant organisms. Where chloramphenicol ear drops are used on a long term or intermittent basis, it may be advisable to perform a routine blood profile before therapy and at appropriate intervals thereafter to detect any haemopoietic abnormalities.
Bone marrow hypoplasia, including aplastic anaemia and death, has been reported following topical use of chloramphenicol. Whilst the hazard is a rare one, it should be borne in mind when assessing the benefits expected from the use of the compound.
In severe infections topical use of chloramphenicol should be supplemented with appropriate systemic treatment.
Prolonged use should be avoided as it may increase the likelihood of sensitisation and the emergence of resistant organisms.
If any new infection appears during the treatment, the antibiotic should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken. Chloramphenicol should be reserved for use only in infections for which it is specifically indicated.
Excipient Warnings
This medicine contains 0.95g of propylene glycol in 1ml which is equivalent to 95% w/v.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
The concomitant administration of Chloramphenicol with other drugs liable to depress bone marrow function should be avoided.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Safety for use in pregnancy and lactation has not been established.
Chloramphenicol may be absorbed systemically following the use of ear drops and may cross the placenta and appear in breast milk. Therefore this product is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Immune System Disorders:
Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, anaphylaxis, urticaria, fever, vesicular and maculopapular dermatitis.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders:
Bone marrow depression and rarely aplastic anaemia has been reported following topical use of chloramphenicol. Whilst the hazard is a rare one, it should be borne in mind when assessing the benefits expected from the use of this compound. Chloramphenicol may ocassionally cause blood dyscrasia.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions 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.
4.9. Overdose
Overdose is unlikely to occur with this preparation.
Overdose is unlikely to occur with this preparation.
Accidental ingestion of the drops is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity due to the low content of the antibiotic in the product. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation or photophobia occur after undesired eye contact, the exposed eye(s) should be irrigated for at least 15 minutes. If symptoms persist after this, an ophthalmological examination should be considered.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops (FAMAR). The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Medicines containing Chloramphenicol
- Brolene Antibiotic 0.5%w/v Eye Drops
- Chloramphenicol 1.0% w/w Antibiotic Eye Ointment
- Chloramphenicol 10% w/v Ear Drops
- Chloramphenicol 5% w/v Ear Drops
- Chloramphenicol Antibiotic 0.5%w/v Eye Drops
- Chloramphenicol Capsules BP 250 mg
- Chloramphenicol Eye Drops BP 0.5% W/V
- Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
- Eykappo (Chloramphenicol) 5mg/ml Eye Drops
- Minims Chloramphenicol 0.5%, Eye drops solution
- Mollifeye 5mg/ml Eye Drops, Solution
- Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis 1% w/w Eye ointment
- Optrex Infected Eye Drops