Kloramfenikol Santen (Chloramphenicol)

Chloramphenicol ophthalmic antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye surface and cornea.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: reduces bacterial load and alleviates redness and discharge.
• Blepharitis: controls bacterial overgrowth on eyelid margins, improving inflammation.
• Corneal ulcer (bacterial keratitis): promotes healing by eliminating causative organisms.

• Chloramphenicol exerts its antibacterial effect by binding to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting the peptidyl transferase activity and thereby blocking protein synthesis. This bacteriostatic action prevents bacterial replication, leading to resolution of infection in ocular tissues. The drug penetrates the corneal epithelium and conjunctival tissues, achieving concentrations sufficient to inhibit susceptible organisms while sparing human cells due to selective affinity for prokaryotic ribosomes.

Topical chloramphenicol may cause local and systemic adverse reactions, although most patients tolerate it well.

Common Side Effects

• Eye irritation: mild burning or stinging on instillation.
• Transient blurred vision: temporary visual disturbance after dosing.
• Redness: mild conjunctival hyperemia.
• Tearing: increased lacrimation.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Aplastic anemia: rare but potentially fatal bone‑marrow failure.
• Severe allergic reaction: anaphylaxis with swelling, hives, or respiratory distress.
• Granulocytopenia: rare decrease in neutrophil count.

When using Kloramfenikol Santen, follow these safety measures.

• Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol: discontinue immediately if a reaction occurs.
• Do not use if the solution appears discolored or contains particles: discard the product.
• Limit duration of therapy: follow prescriber instructions to reduce risk of resistance.
• Monitor for signs of systemic toxicity, especially in prolonged use or large ocular surface area.
• Avoid contact lens wear immediately after instillation: remove lenses to prevent drug absorption.
• Store below 25°C: keep in the original container, protect from light and moisture.

Chloramphenicol may interact with other medicines; consider the following.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Systemic aminoglycosides: additive bone‑marrow suppression; avoid concurrent systemic use.
• Warfarin: chloramphenicol may potentiate anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk.
• Live vaccines: systemic absorption may suppress immune response; avoid co‑administration.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Other myelosuppressive agents (e.g., carbamazepine): monitor blood counts.
• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory eye drops: may increase local irritation.
• Systemic corticosteroids: may mask signs of infection; observe closely.