Chloramphenicol should be used only in those serious infections for which less potentially dangerous drugs are ineffective or contraindicated. Bacteriological studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their sensitivity to chloramphenicol (see Boxed Warning).

Chloromycetin Ophthalmic Ointment, 1% (Chloramphenicol Ophthalmic Ointment, USP) is indicated for the treatment of surface ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by chloramphenicol-susceptible organisms.

The particular antiinfective drug in this product is active against the following common bacterial eye pathogens:

Staphylococcus aureus

Streptococcus, including Streptococcus pneumoniae

Escherichia coli

Haemophilus influenzae

Klebsiella/Enterobacter species

Moraxella lucunata

    (Morax-Axenfeld bacillus)

Neisseria species

This product does not provide adequate coverage against:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Serratia marcescens

A small amount of ointment placed in the lower conjunctival sac every three hours, or more frequently if deemed advisable by the prescribing physician. Administration should be continued day and night the first 48 hours, after which the interval between applications may be increased. Treatment should be continued for at least 48 hours after the eye appears normal.

This product is contraindicated in persons sensitive to any of its components.

SEE BOXED WARNING

Ophthalmic ointments may retard corneal wound healing.

The prolonged use of antibiotics may occasionally result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. If new infections appear during medication, the drug should be discontinued and appropriate measures should be taken.

In all serious infections the topical use of chloramphenicol should be supplemented by appropriate systemic medication.

Blood dyscrasias have been reported in association with the use of chloramphenicol (see WARNINGS).

Allergic or inflammatory reactions due to individual hypersensitivity and occasional burning or stinging may occur with the use of Chloromycetin Ophthalmic Ointment.

The prolonged use of antibiotics may occasionally result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. If new infections appear during medication, the drug should be discontinued and appropriate measures should be taken.

In all serious infections the topical use of chloramphenicol should be supplemented by appropriate systemic medication.