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chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic

Generic name: chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic [ klor-am-FEN-i-kole, paw-lee-MIX-in-and-hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone ]
Brand name: Ophthocort
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids with anti-infectives

What is chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Chloramphenicol and polymyxin B are antibiotics. They are used to treat bacterial infections.

Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It is used to treat the swelling associated with bacterial infections of the eye.

Chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in your condition after a few days.

Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Who should not use chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Do not use chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.

It is not known whether chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Use chloramphenicol, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment exactly as directed by your doctor.

Wash your hands before and after using your ointment.

To apply the ointment:

  • Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before your next application.

Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Store chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the ointment has been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

Use caution with contact lenses. Wear them only if your doctor approves. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses.

Avoid other eye medications unless your doctor approves.

Chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic side effects

Serious side effects are not expected with this medication. Rarely, prolonged use of chloramphenicol medications has damaged bone marrow. Call your doctor if you experience extreme fatigue or unusual bleeding or bruising.

More commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, or sensitivity to light may occur. Continue to use chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic and talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience.

What other drugs will affect chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking an oral steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

More about chloramphenicol / hydrocortisone / polymyxin b ophthalmic

Further information

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Chloramphenicol/polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic is available with a prescription under the brand name Ophthocort in an ointment formulation. Other brand or generic formulations of this medication may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is unfamiliar to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.