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- Optrex Infected Eye Ointment 1% –...
Optrex Infected Eye Ointment 1% – 4g, also known as Optrex Bacterial Conjunctivitis Eye Ointment, contains chloramphenicol, an antibiotic used to treat acute bacterial conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 2 years and over.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection affecting the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and lining the eyelids.
Common symptoms include red eyes, sticky yellow or green discharge, gritty discomfort and eyelids sticking together after sleep.
Optrex Infected Eye Ointment contains 1% chloramphenicol (10mg/g), which stops susceptible bacteria from growing and helps clear the infection.
Unlike antibiotic eye drops, the ointment has a thicker consistency and stays in contact with the eye surface for longer. It can be used on its own or at bedtime alongside chloramphenicol eye drops, when recommended by a pharmacist.
What Is Optrex Infected Eye Ointment Used For?
Optrex Infected Eye Ointment treats acute bacterial conjunctivitis.
Symptoms may include:
- Redness in one or both eyes.
- Sticky or yellowish discharge.
- Eyelids sticking together in the morning.
- Gritty or irritated eyes.
- Mild swelling around the eyelids.
Not all conjunctivitis is bacterial. Viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis can cause similar symptoms and do not benefit from chloramphenicol antibiotics.
How Does Optrex Infected Eye Ointment Work?
Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein production.
This prevents susceptible bacteria from multiplying and allows the body's immune system to clear the infection.
The ointment formulation helps keep the medicine in contact with the eye surface.
What Are the Benefits of Eye Ointment?
Longer Eye Contact
The thicker formulation remains on the eye surface longer than a watery solution.
Suitable for Night-Time Use
The ointment can be applied before bedtime when chloramphenicol drops are used during the day.
Alternative to Eye Drops
It may suit people who prefer an ointment or have difficulty using eye drops.
Five-Day Treatment
The recommended course lasts five days, even if symptoms improve earlier.
Optrex Infected Eye Ointment vs Eye Drops
Both products contain chloramphenicol and treat acute bacterial conjunctivitis.
Optrex Infected Eye Drops contain 0.5% chloramphenicol and are generally applied frequently during the first two days of treatment.
Optrex Infected Eye Ointment contains 1% chloramphenicol and is applied three to four times daily when used alone.
The ointment may also be used at bedtime alongside daytime drops, following pharmacist advice.
Because ointment can temporarily blur vision, night-time application may be more convenient.
Who Can Use Optrex Infected Eye Ointment?
The product is licensed for:
- Adults.
- Older people.
- Children aged 2 years and over.
- Children under 2 years with suspected conjunctivitis should be assessed by a doctor.
Who Should Not Use Optrex Infected Eye Ointment?
Do not use this medicine if you:
- Are allergic to chloramphenicol, liquid paraffin or white petroleum.
- Have previously experienced bone marrow suppression during chloramphenicol treatment.
- Have a family history of serious blood disorders.
Seek medical advice before using the ointment if you have eye pain, reduced vision, light sensitivity, a cloudy eye, an abnormal-looking pupil, an eye injury or a suspected foreign body.
Other reasons to seek professional advice include glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, a recent episode of conjunctivitis, eye surgery or laser treatment within the previous six months, or current use of other eye medicines.
Contact lens wearers with a red or painful eye need prompt professional assessment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The safety of chloramphenicol eye ointment during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.
Do not self-treat with this product during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice.
Preventing the Spread of Conjunctivitis
To help prevent infection spreading:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Use separate towels and face cloths.
- Do not share eye makeup.
- Gently clean away discharge using clean materials.
- Do not share the ointment tube.
- Avoid contact lenses during treatment.
Active Ingredient
Chloramphenicol 1% w/w (10mg/g)
An antibiotic used to treat acute bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria.
Other Ingredients
Liquid paraffin.
White petroleum.
The ointment is supplied sterile in a 4g tube.
Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient.
Adults and Children Aged 2 Years and Over
Apply approximately 1cm of ointment inside the lower eyelid of the affected eye.
When used alone: Apply three to four times daily.
When used alongside antibiotic eye drops: Apply the ointment at bedtime, following the pharmacist's advice.
Treatment duration: Continue for five days, even if symptoms improve.
Do not use for longer than five days without consulting a doctor.
How to Apply Optrex Infected Eye Ointment
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Remove the cap from the tube.
- Tilt your head backwards.
- Gently pull down the lower eyelid.
- Hold the nozzle close to the eye without touching it.
- Squeeze approximately 1cm of ointment into the space between the lower eyelid and the eye.
- Close your eye gently and blink to distribute the ointment.
- Repeat for the other eye only if required.
- Replace the cap securely.
Avoid touching the nozzle against the eye, eyelid, fingers or other surfaces.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The recommended course is five days.
You should begin to notice improvement within 48 hours.
If symptoms have not improved after 48 hours, speak to a doctor.
If your eye becomes worse at any time, seek medical advice immediately.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses?
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment.
Contact lens wearers should seek advice from an optometrist, contact lens practitioner or doctor before using chloramphenicol.
Soft contact lenses should not be worn again until at least 24 hours after completing treatment.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Apply the missed dose when remembered, unless your next dose is nearly due.
Do not apply extra ointment to compensate for a missed dose.
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Replace the cap securely after use.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use after the expiry date.
- Discard any remaining ointment after completing the five-day treatment course.
The opened tube has a stated shelf life of 28 days, but the manufacturer's instructions require disposal after the five-day course.
Temporary Blurred Vision
Eye ointments commonly cause temporary blurred vision immediately after application.
Wait until your vision returns to normal before driving or operating machinery.
Mild Eye Irritation
Temporary stinging, burning or discomfort may occur.
If irritation persists or becomes worse, stop using the product and seek advice.
Allergic Reactions
Stop using the ointment and seek medical advice if you develop significant redness, itching, swelling or a rash.
Seek emergency assistance for severe allergic symptoms, including breathing difficulties.
Rare Serious Blood Disorders
Chloramphenicol has been associated with rare but serious blood disorders, including bone marrow suppression.
Seek urgent medical advice if you develop unexplained bruising, bleeding, unusual tiredness or other concerning symptoms.
Secondary Infections
Prolonged or repeated use may encourage the growth of organisms that are not susceptible to chloramphenicol, including fungi.
Do not repeatedly use the ointment without professional advice.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Seek urgent assessment if you develop:
- Significant eye pain.
- Reduced or altered vision.
- Sensitivity to light.
- A cloudy eye or unusual pupil.
- Severe or rapidly increasing swelling.
- Eye injury or suspected foreign body.
- A painful red eye while wearing contact lenses.
You can report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Frequently asked questions
Temporary Blurred Vision Eye ointments commonly cause temporary blurred vision immediately after application. Wait until your vision returns to normal before driving or operating machinery. Mild Eye Irritation Temporary stinging, burning or discomfort
It treats acute bacterial conjunctivitis, an infection of the outer surface of the eye.
What is the active ingredient?
Chloramphenicol 1% w/w, equivalent to 10mg per gram of ointment.
Is Optrex Infected Eye Ointment an antibiotic?
Yes. It contains chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
How often should I apply the ointment?
When used alone, apply approximately 1cm of ointment three to four times daily.
Is Optrex Infected Eye Ointment available without a prescription?
Yes. It is a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK and can be supplied without a prescription following appropriate pharmacist assessment.
