Oftalmolosa Cusí Cloramfenicol (Chloramphenicol)

Oftalmolosa Cusí Cloramfenicol is an ophthalmic antibiotic used to manage bacterial infections of the eye surface.

• Conjunctivitis: reduces bacterial load and alleviates redness and discharge.
• Keratitis: helps eradicate causative bacteria and promotes corneal healing.
• Blepharitis: controls bacterial overgrowth on eyelid margins.
• Post‑surgical prophylaxis: prevents infection after ocular surgery.
• Trachoma management: part of community‑based treatment programmes.

• Chloramphenicol inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, blocking peptide bond formation. This action halts bacterial growth (bacteriostatic) across a broad range of Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative organisms that may colonise the ocular surface, thereby allowing the host immune system to clear the infection.

Adverse reactions to ophthalmic chloramphenicol are generally mild and localized.

Common Side Effects

• Burning sensation: mild transient burning upon instillation.
• Stinging: brief stinging feeling in the eye.
• Redness: mild conjunctival hyperemia.
• Tearing: increased lacrimation.
• Foreign‑body sensation: feeling of grit or sand.
• Itching: mild ocular itching.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic contact dermatitis: localized skin reaction around the eye.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare severe mucocutaneous reaction.
• Anaphylaxis: acute systemic allergic response.
• Corneal ulceration: rare worsening of corneal integrity.
• Vision loss: extremely rare, may be related to severe adverse reaction.
• Bone marrow suppression: systemic effect if absorbed in large amounts, very rare.

When using ophthalmic chloramphenicol, follow safety guidelines to minimise risks.

• Indications check: confirm bacterial eye infection before use.
• Duration of therapy: limit to the prescribed period, typically not exceeding 7‑7 days.
• Contact lens wearers: remove lenses before instillation and wait before reinserting.
• Systemic absorption: avoid excessive use to reduce risk of systemic toxicity.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from light and moisture.

Chloramphenicol eye drops have limited systemic drug interactions, but caution is advised.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Systemic aminoglycosides: concurrent use may increase risk of ototoxicity.
• Systemic anticoagulants: may potentiate bleeding risk if significant systemic absorption occurs.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Other topical ophthalmic antibiotics: may affect local flora balance.
• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory eye drops: monitor for additive irritation.
• Systemic corticosteroids: watch for delayed wound healing.
• Antifungal eye preparations: assess for antagonistic effects.