Chloroptic S.O.P. Opht

This medication is used to treat bacterial eye infections. Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How to use Chloroptic S.O.P. Opht
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer\'s directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.
To apply eye ointments, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tube tip or let it touch your eye. Tilt your head back, look upward, and gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place a 1-centimeter strip of ointment into the pouch. Gently close the eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye.
Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Apply as often as directed by your doctor. Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue to remove extra medication before recapping it.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too soon may allow the bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

See also Warning section.
Temporary blurred vision, burning, stinging, or redness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes/problems.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using chloramphenicol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an eye infection due to a virus (e.g., herpes, varicella), another type of eye infection (e.g., tuberculosis, fungus), history of a bad reaction to chloramphenicol.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, anemia (low red blood cells), radiation therapy.
After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This medication should not be used near or at the time of delivery due to possible harm to the newborn (gray baby syndrome). Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection. A different medication may be necessary in that case.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, platelet counts) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Throw away any unused medication after treatment is finished or 21 days after first opening the tube.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised May 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.