Minims Chloramphenicol 0.5%

Clear, colourless, sterile eye drops containing Chloramphenicol PhEur 0.5% w/v.

Sterile single use eye drop.

Chloramphenicol is a broad spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic. It is active against a wide variety of gram-negative and gram-positive organisms as well as rickettsiae and spirochaetes. It is indicated for use as a topical antibacterial in the treatment of superficial ocular infections.

Adults (including the Elderly) and Children

One to two drops applied topically to each affected eye up to six times daily or more frequently if required. (Severe infections may require one to two drops every fifteen to twenty minutes initially, reducing the frequency of instillation gradually as the infection is controlled).

Hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol or any component of the preparation.

In severe infections topical use of chloramphenicol should be supplemented with appropriate systemic treatment.

Aplastic anaemia has, rarely, followed topical use of chloramphenicol eye drops and, whilst this hazard is an uncommon one, it should be borne in mind when the benefits of the use of chloramphenicol are assessed.

Prolonged use should be avoided as it may increase the likelihood of sensitisation and the emergence of resistant organisms.

Contact lenses should be removed during the period of treatment.

Systemic absorption may be reduced by compressing the lacrimal sac at the medial canthus for a minute during and following the instillation of the drops. (This blocks the passage of the drops via the naso lacrimal duct to the wide absorptive area of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa. It is especially advisable in children.)

Chymotrypsin will be inhibited if given simultaneously with chloramphenicol.

Safety for use in pregnancy and lactation has not been established, therefore, use only when considered essential by the physician.

May cause transient blurring of vision on installation. Warn patients not to drive or operate hazardous machinery unless vision is clear.

Local

Sensitivity reactions such as transient irritation, burning, stinging, itching and dermatitis, may occur.

Systemic

Rarely, cases of major adverse haematological events (bone marrow depression, aplastic anaemia and death) have been reported following ocular use of chloramphenicol.

Not applicable.

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic which is mainly bacteriostatic in action, but exerts a bactericidal effect against some strains of gram-positive cocci and against Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria. It has a broad spectrum of action against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, rickettsiae and chlamydia.

Chloramphenicol is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. In the liver, chloramphenicol is inactivated by conjugation with glucuronic acid or by reduction to inactive aryl amines. Excretion is mainly renal, though some bile excretion occurs following oral administration.

There are no preclinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the SPC.

Borax

Boric acid

Purified water

None known.

30 months.

Store between 2° and 8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

If necessary, the product may be stored at temperatures not exceeding 25°C for up to 1 month only.

A sealed conical shaped polypropylene container fitted with a twist and pull off cap. Each Minims Chloramphenicol unit is overwrapped in an individual polyethylene sachet. 20 units each containing 0.5ml are packed into a suitable carton.

Each Minims unit should be discarded after a single use.

If the product is to be stored unrefrigerated at temperatures not exceeding 25°C, prior to supply of the product by the pharmacy the adhesive label provided in the carton should be completed and affixed over the bar code, by a pharmacist. An expiry date one month from the supply date, plus the pharmacist's initials should be written in the spaces provided on this label.

Chauvin Pharmaceuticals Ltd

106 London Road

Kingston-upon-Thames

Surrey

KT2 6TN

PL 0033/0055R

Date of Grant: 31.7.91

Date of Renewal: 23.4.97

November 2000

November 2002

POM