Chloramphenicol 1% Ointment for application to skin

Pharmacy Department

Download the leaflet

Chloramphenicol 1% Ointment for application to skin (214kB pdf)

What is Chloramphenicol 1% Ointment used for?

• It is an antibiotic ointment
• It is usually used to treat eye infections
• It can also be applied directly to skin or wounds (unlicensed use)
• You have been given chloramphenicol ointment to apply to the area where you had  surgery
• Why has my baby lost weight?

What dosage forms are available?

Eye ointment (1% chloramephenicol)

How should Chloramphenicol ointment 1% be applied?

• Read the instructions on the pharmacy label.
• Wash and dry your hands before use.
• Take special care not to let the nozzle of the tube  touch the skin
• Apply the ointment thinly to the affected area.
• Wash your hands again after you have applied the ointment.

How much should I give and how often?

Follow the instructions on the pharmacy label.  This will tell you how much to use and how often to apply the ointment.

How long should Chloramphenicol 1% ointment be used for?

• Your doctor/nurse or pharmacist will tell you how long to use the ointment for.
• This will also be included on the pharmacy label
• Any unused ointment should be returned to your community pharmacist or the hospital pharmacy department or ward for safe disposal

When should Chloramphenicol 1% ointment start to work?

You will be supported by your community midwife or health visitor but if you are concerned that your baby is unwell, eg having less wet and dirty nappies, irritable, lethargic, reduced feeding, then bring them back to the emergency department. 

This is being used to prevent infection after your procedure so follow the instructions you

have been given. If there are any problems with the wound e.g. redness, swelling or

discharge you should seek medical advice from your GP, walk in centre, Emergency Department or ring the ward you were discharged from at Alder Hey.

Are there any side effects?

Occasionally there may be a slight stinging sensation when the ointment is applied.

What do I do if I miss an application?

Usually the ointment will only be used once a day and if this is the case it may be applied

later the same day.  If it is used more than once a day, use it again as soon as you remember.  If it is due within 4 hours, miss the next dose.

Where should I keep Chloramphenicol 1% ointment?

• It should be stored out of the reach and sight of children
• It should be stored at room temperature
• It should be stored away from light
• Check the label to see how long you can keep the ointment for after it is opened

Do not give Chloramphenicol 1% ointment to anyone else even if their symptoms

appear to be the same as your child’s. If you have any further questions, please

contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

This leaflet should be read with any manufacturers’ patient information. Their information will not include information about applying to the skin as this is not included in the product license.  Alder Hey has lots of experience of using chloramphenicol ointment in this way.

Always tell the prescriber before taking any other medication including herbal or complementary medicines.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

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