Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B
About Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B
Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B is an ophthalmic solution prescribed to treat bacterial eye infections, such as pink eye or corneal ulcers. It contains two active antibiotics that work together to destroy the bacteria causing irritation, redness, and swelling in the eye. Using this medicine as directed helps clear up painful symptoms and prevents the infection from worsening.
For the best results, you must apply Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B consistently and exactly at the intervals your doctor recommends. Since this is an eye drop, you do not need to worry about taking it with or without food, but you should wash your hands thoroughly before each use. Making temporary lifestyle adjustments, like avoiding eye makeup and wearing glasses instead of contact lenses, will also speed up your recovery.
While using Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B, you may experience mild, temporary stinging or slightly blurred vision immediately after applying the drops. These effects usually pass quickly, but contact your doctor promptly if you develop severe eye pain, worsening redness, or vision changes. Very rarely, chloramphenicol eye drops have been associated with serious blood disorders. If you notice unusual bruising, extreme tiredness, very pale skin, or unexpected bleeding, seek medical attention immediately and discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
Do not take this if you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients in Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B. Before starting this medication, tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of blood disorders or bone marrow problems. Your doctor will help determine if this is the safest treatment option for your specific health situation.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially other eye drops, as they can interfere with how this medicine works. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing health conditions in an elderly individual, consult your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Uses of Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B is commonly used to treat conjunctivitis (pink eye) caused by bacterial infections.
• Bacterial Keratitis: Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B is also used to treat bacterial infections of the cornea and helps prevent potential vision loss due to corneal damage.
• Post-Surgical Inflammation: Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B may be used to prevent infection after certain eye surgeries.
Medicinal Benefits
- Provides quick relief from discomfort: By directly targeting the bacteria, Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B quickly eases the painful burning, grittiness, and itching in your eye.
- Supports Healing: By treating the bacterial infection effectively, Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B helps relieve symptoms and supports the natural healing process of the affected eye.
- Prevents the spread of infection: Clearing the bacteria early prevents the infection from moving to your other eye or spreading to other people.
Directions for Use
- Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B is for ophthalmic (for eye) use only.
- It is recommended to instil 1-2 drops of Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B, 2-3 times daily, or as advised by your doctor.
- Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Gently pull your lower eyelid with your index finger to form a pocket. Place the prescribed amount of Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B into the pocket. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
- Replace the outer cap tightly after use.
- Avoid touching the container tip to your eye, eyelids, or surrounding areas to prevent contamination.
Storage
Side Effects of Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Temporary burning, stinging, or irritation in the eye immediately after application
- Briefly blurred vision, which should clear up within a few minutes
- Mild redness or watering of the eyes
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing
- Worsening eye pain, severe redness, or increased discharge from the eye
- Sudden changes in vision or extreme sensitivity to light
- Very rare blood disorders, causing unusual tiredness, very pale skin, easy bruising, or unexpected bleeding
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Prevent Contamination: Do not let the dropper or tube tip touch your eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface.
- Inspect the Medicine Before Use: Do not use the eye drops if the solution becomes cloudy, changes colour, or contains visible particles.
- Space Multiple Eye Medicines: If you use more than one eye medicine, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applications unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Complete the Full Course: Continue using Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B for the entire prescribed duration, even if your symptoms improve earlier.
- Use Caution After Application: Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision becomes clear, as temporary blurred vision may occur after application.
Drug Interactions
Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B may interact with certain medicines. Inform your doctor if you are using any of the following:
- Other Ophthalmic Medicines: If multiple eye drops or ointments are prescribed, use them at least 5 to 10 minutes apart to avoid reducing their effectiveness.
- Medicines That Affect Bone Marrow Function: Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines that suppress bone marrow, as concurrent use may increase the risk of rare blood disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInteraction of alcohol with Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B is unknown. However, consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B. Your doctor may prescribe Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother, as it is not known if Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B is excreted in human milk.
Driving
cautionChloramphenicol+polymyxin B may cause blurred vision immediately after using it. So, wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.
Liver
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionChloramphenicol+polymyxin B should be used in children only if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid Contact Lens Use: Do not wear contact lenses while you have an active eye infection or while using Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Maintain Good Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your eyes or applying the medicine to reduce the spread of infection.
- Use Clean Personal Items: Change towels, pillowcases, and face cloths daily, and avoid sharing them with others to prevent transmission of the infection.
- Replace Eye Care Products: Discard eye makeup, makeup applicators, and contact lens cases used around the time your infection developed to reduce the risk of reinfection.
- Avoid Touching or Rubbing Your Eyes: Rubbing the infected eye can worsen irritation and spread the infection to the other eye.
Special Advise
- Please consult an eye specialist if your eye infection persists or worsens even after using Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B for a week.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial eye infections: Bacterial eye infections occur when harmful bacteria enter any part of the eyeball or surrounding tissues, including the cornea (front surface of the eye) and the lining of the outer eye and inner eyelids (conjunctiva). The common symptoms of eye infections are red eyes, pain, discharge, watery eyes, dry eyes, light sensitivity, swollen eyes, itching, and blurred vision. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the infection/inflammation of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid. Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea. It is a common issue among individuals who wear contact lenses.
FAQs
Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye (optic).
Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B contains Polymyxin B and Chloramphenicol. Polymyxin B works by inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell walls, which are necessary for survival because they prevent unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. Chloramphenicol inhibits the production of essential proteins required for bacterial growth and multiplication. Bacteria are thus destroyed. They work together to relieve itching, pain, and discomfort in the eye caused by infection.
You are not recommended to use chymotrypsin while using Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B as it may reduce the effectiveness of chymotrypsin (used during cataract surgery). However, please consult your doctor before using other medicines with Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B.
You are recommended to maintain a minimum of 10 minutes time gap between using Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B and other eye drops, and administer eye ointments last.
Yes, Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B may cause temporary blurred vision. Therefore, wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating heavy machinery.
You are not recommended to stop using Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B without consulting your doctor, as it may increase eye pressure and lead to loss of vision. Therefore, use Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. If you experience any difficulty while using Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B, please consult your doctor.
Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B may affect glaucoma if used for a longer duration. Therefore, use Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B only for the duration advised by the doctor. If you have glaucoma, tell your doctor before using Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B. They will monitor your eye pressure and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B is not recommended for eye ulcers. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye.
Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B potentially doesn’t cause blindness when used as suggested by your doctor. However, it may cause temporary blurred vision. Therefore, it is recommended that you wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating heavy machinery.
Yes, Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B is an antibiotic. It works by inhibiting the production of essential proteins that bacteria require for growth and multiplication. Thus, it helps treat bacterial eye infections.
Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B should be stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Dispose of expired or unused medicine promptly. Consult your pharmacist for proper disposal methods.
Gently clean the extra medication with the towel and rinse your eyes thoroughly with water. If you experience any issues, contact your doctor immediately.
Common side effects of Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B may include redness, itching, irritation, a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, eyelid swelling, itching, or crusting. Most of these side effects of Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if any of these side effects worsen or persist, please consult your doctor.
No, you should avoid wearing contact lenses until your eye infection is completely cured and your doctor tells you it is safe to wear them again. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about when you can wear your lenses.
Mild, brief stinging or burning immediately after applying the drops is common and usually harmless. If the stinging is severe, lasts for a long time, or gets worse with each use, stop using the drops and talk to your doctor.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your healthcare provider before using this medication to weigh the risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor for patient-specific guidance.
No, this formulation of Chloramphenicol+polymyxin B is designed strictly for ophthalmic (eye) use. Do not apply these drops to your ears or any other part of your body unless specifically instructed by a doctor.
The exact frequency of your doses depends on the severity of your eye infection and your doctor's specific prescription. Do not decide on a schedule yourself; talk to your doctor for exact dosing instructions.
