The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), DatapharmActive substance: chloramphenicolOfficial document: view the original leaflet on emc →Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

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Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v

⚠ 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.

Active substance: Chloramphenicol

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

→ Minims Chloramphenicol 0.5%, Eye drops solution brand

→ Optrex Infected Eye Drops brand

→ Chloramphenicol Eye Drops BP 0.5% W/V

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)

Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for Clorogen Eye Drops contains an antibiotic called chloramphenicol. It is used in both adults and children aged 2 years and over 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". Clorogen 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.

What you need to know before you take it

e clorogen eye drops Clorogen 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, due to necessary dosage adjustment.

Do not use Clorogen eye drops

if you are allergic to chloramphenicol or any of the ingredients shown under section 6 'Contents of the pack and other information'
if you have ever had problems with your blood (in particular very low numbers of blood cells) during previous treatment with chloramphenicol
if you have a family history of blood problems such as low white blood cell, red blood cell, or platelet counts Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Clorogen eye drops if
your eyesight is affected (loss of sight, reduced vision, blurred vision or halos around lights)
you have pain within 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 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. •

you suffer from any other eye problems.

Other medicines and Clorogen Eye Drops Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. 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. Pregnancy and Breast-feeding If you are 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 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.

How to take it

clorogen eye drops Instructions for use: To be used in the eye(s) only

First wash your hands
These drops are supplied as a sealed bottle with a spiked cap. When using the bottle for the first time, screw the cap down tightly in order to pierce the tip of the bottle
Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling
Pull the lower eyelid gently downwards
Hold the bottle upside down above the eye and gently squeeze the bottle to release a drop into your eye
Keep the affected eye closed and press your fingertip against the inside corner of the closed eye, and hold for 1 minute
When both eyes are to be treated, repeat for the other eye
Replace and tighten the cap immediately after use. Whilst applying the drops, do not
breathe on or touch the tip of the bottle
touch the eyes or eyelids (or any other surface) with the tip of the bottle
share your eye drops with anyone else. Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Use this medicine only in your eyes. The recommended dose is 1 drop to the affected eye(s) every 2 hours for the first two days and then 1 drop every 4 hours thereafter. Use during waking hours only. The usual duration of the therapy 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. The maximum duration of the therapy

Do not use Clorogen Eye Drops for more than 5 days without consulting your doctor. Discard any remaining eye drops after the 5day course of treatment. If you forget to use your Clorogen Eye Drops 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. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects

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, other may only happen after several days of use.

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. If you experience these effects, stop using the drops immediately and tell your doctor.
The use of topical chloramphenicol may occasionally result in the overgrowth of other non susceptible organisms including fungi. If any new infection appears during treatment you should tell your doctor.
blurred vision or mild burning or stinging when you put the drops 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 or pharmacist. 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. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

clorogen eye drops Replace the cap securely after use. Store at 2°C to 8°C. This is the temperature of most domestic refrigerators. Protect from light. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Throw away any medicine left at the end of the 5 days course. Do not throw away any medicines via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6. Content of the pack and other information What Clorogen Eye Drops contains The active substance is chloramphenicol 0.5% w/v. The other excipients are borax, boric acid and water for injection. What Clorogen Eye Drops look like and contents of the pack Each bottle contains 10ml of the drops. Clorogen Eye Drops is a bright, colourless to faint yellow aqueous solution. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer FDC International Ltd, Unit 6, Fulcrum 1, Solent Way, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7FE United Kingdom PL number: 15872/0015 Hard to see or read the leaflet? Call + 44(0) 1489 565222 for help. This leaflet was last revised in: April 2023

Frequently asked questions about Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v

How do I take Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v?

Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v comes as eye 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 Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v?

The active substance in Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v is chloramphenicol.

Are there equivalent medicines to Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Minims Chloramphenicol 0.5%, Eye drops solution, Optrex Infected Eye Drops, Chloramphenicol Eye Drops BP 0.5% W/V. 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 Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v, 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 Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v 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 →

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Chloramphenicol (15 medicines)

See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.

⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+

Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Chloramphenicol is broad spectrum antibiotic indicated in both adults and children for the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Adults, children and the elderly

One drop to be instilled into the infected eye every 2 hours for the first 48 hours and 4 hourly thereafter. To be used during waking hours only. The course of treatment is 5 days.

Treatment should continue for 5 days even if symptoms improve.

Method of Administration

For ocular use only.

4.3. Contraindications

Chloramphenicol eye drops must not be administered to patients who have:

· Hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol or to any other ingredient of the drops listed in section 6.1.

· Myelosuppression during previous exposure to chloramphenicol.

· Family history of blood dyscrasias.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Chloramphenicol is absorbed systemically from the eye and systemic toxicity has been reported (see section 4.8).

In severe bacterial conjunctivitis and in cases where infection is not confined to the conjunctivae, the topical use of chloramphenicol should be supplemented by appropriate systemic treatment. Therefore, the patient should be referred to seek medical advice.

The use of topical chloramphenicol may occasionally result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms including fungi. If any new infection appears during treatment, the patient should be referred to the doctor.

Prolonged or frequent intermittent topical application of chloramphenicol should be avoided since it may increase the likelihood of sensitisation and emergence of resistant organisms.

Do not use for more than 5 days without consulting your doctor.

The label will state:

· If symptoms do not improve within 48 hours talk to your doctor

· Seek further immediate medical advice at any time if symptoms worsen

· Do not use if you are allergic to chloramphenicol or any of the ingredients

· Discard any remaining eye drops after the five day course of treatment

For external use only.

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

Patients should be referred to a doctor if any of the following apply:

· Disturbed vision

· Severe pain within the eye

· Photophobia

· Eye inflammation associated with a rash on the scalp or face

· The eye looks cloudy

· The pupil looks unusual

· Suspected foreign body in the eye

Patients should also be referred to their doctor if any of the following in his/her medical history apply:

· Previous conjunctivitis in the recent past

· Glaucoma

· Dry eye syndrome

· Eye surgery or laser treatment in the last 6 months

· Eye injury

· Current use of other eye drops or eye ointment

· Contact lens use

If this product is used following advice from a contact lens practitioner or doctor, contact lenses should not be worn during the course of treatment. Soft contact lenses should not be replaced for 24 hours after completing the treatment.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Bone marrow suppressant drugs.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

The safety of chloramphenicol eye drops during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. As this product is for sale without prescription it is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

In view of the fact that chloramphenicol may appear in breast milk, use of the product during lactation should be avoided.

Fertility

No fertility data are available.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Transient blurring of vision may occur immediately after use and driving or using machinery should not occur until the vision is clear.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Eye disorders

Transient irritation, burning, stinging and sensitivity reactions such as itching and dermatitis.

Immune system disorders

Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, anaphylaxis, urticaria, fever, vesicular and maculopapular dermatitis. Treatment must be discontinued immediately in such cases.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Bone marrow depression, including the idiosyncratic type of irreversible and fatal aplastic anaemia that is recognised to occur with systemic therapy, has been reported in association with topical administration of chloramphenicol.

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 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

In view of the relatively small amount of chloramphenicol in Clorogen Eye Drops, overdosage with this product is unlikely to constitute a hazard. No specific treatment would be required.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Clorogen Eye Drops 0.5% w/v. 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.

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