chloramphenicol-hydrocortisone-eye-ear ointment

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Very rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) blood disorders (e.g., bone marrow hypoplasia, aplastic anemia) have occurred while using this medication. Do not use chloramphenicol if safer, effective medications can be used. Immediately notify your doctor if you have easy bruising or

USES: This medication contains an antibiotic that helps prevent or treat an infection and a steroid which reduces inflammation. It is used in the treatment of various eye (ophthalmic) or ear (otic) conditions. Do not use chloramphenicol if safer, effective medications can be used.

HOW TO USE: For best results, this medication must be used as directed, usually 2 to 3 times a day. Do not apply this more often or continue using this for longer than prescribed. Apply to the affected EYE(s) as follows: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tube's tip or let it touch your eye. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place tube directly over eye and squeeze a small amount into the pouch. Gently roll your eye for 1 to 2 minutes to spread the ointment. Do not rub the eye. Wipe away any excess medication. Wash hands after use. If you are using another kind of eye medication, wait at least five minutes before applying the other medications. Apply to the affected EAR(s) as follows: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tube or let it touch your ear. Squeeze a small amount of the ointment onto the outer portion of the ear and gently spread it to the inner ear and surrounding area where the infection resides. Wash hands after use.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may temporarily blur your vision, sting or burn for a minute or two when first applied. If this continues or becomes bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a skin rash, burning/irritation/itching/swelling/redness or pain in or around the eyes/ears, easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, unusual fatigue. If using for your eyes, notify your doctor of: vision changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: other infections or diseases, other eye/ear problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Avoid use if you have a perforated ear drum. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, especially of: other eye/ear medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

NOTES: If the condition for which this was prescribed does not improve or becomes worse after a few days, consult your doctor.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as remembered; do not apply it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: This medication may require refrigeration. Check with your pharmacist.

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