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Conjunctivitis - infective - Management
Chloramphenicol eye drops or ointment

Age from 1 month onwards
Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops
Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops
Put one drop into the affected eye(s) every 2 hours for 2 days, and then every 4 hours for 5 days. You only need to use the drops while you are awake.
Supply 10 ml.
Age: from 1 month onwards
NHS cost: £1.20
OTC cost: £4.79
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wash your hands. Put the drop into the pocket formed by gently pulling down the lower eyelid. Keep the eye closed for 1-2 minutes. Do not allow the end of the dropper bottle to touch the eye. Be aware that this product may cause temporary blurred vision in some people.
Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment
Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment
Put a small amount into the affected eye(s) four times a day for 2 days, and then twice a day for 5 days.
Supply 4 grams.
Age: from 1 month onwards
NHS cost: £1.57
OTC cost: £5.29
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wash your hands. Gently pull down the lower eyelid and apply a small amount of eye ointment to the inside of the lid. Do not allow the ointment tube to touch the eye. Be aware that this product may cause temporary blurred vision in some people.
Multi-therapy: Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops + 1% eye ointment
Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops
Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops
Put one drop into the affected eye(s) every 2 hours for 2 days, and then every 4 hours for 5 days. You only need to use the drops while you are awake.
Supply 10 ml.
Age: from 1 month onwards
NHS cost: £1.20
OTC cost: £4.79
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wash your hands. Put the drop into the pocket formed by gently pulling down the lower eyelid. Keep the eye closed for 1-2 minutes. Do not allow the end of the dropper bottle to touch the eye. Be aware that this product may cause temporary blurred vision in some people.
Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment
Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment
Put a small amount into the affected eye(s) at bedtime for 7 days.
Supply 4 grams.
Age: from 1 month onwards
NHS cost: £1.63
OTC cost: £5.29
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wash your hands. Gently pull down the lower eyelid and apply a small amount of eye ointment to the inside of the lid. Do not allow the ointment tube to touch the eye. Be aware that this product may cause temporary blurred vision in some people.

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