Just a few questions from our Pharmacist before you checkout to make sure this medicine is safe for you.
What are Optrex Infected Eye Drops?
Optrex Infected Eye Drops contain the active ingredient chloramphenicol, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections that affect the front surfaces of the eye. The most common type of eye infection is acute bacterial conjunctivitis.
How to use this product
Always use Optrex Infected Eye Drops exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / Chemist4U pharmacist has told you. Use these drops in the eyes only. Check the seal is not broken before first use, then wash and dry your hands. Remove the plastic cap from the eye drop tip.
Tilt your head back while seated or lie down on your back. Gently pull the lower eyelid downwards and look up. Place the tip of the bottle close to your eye. Squeeze the bottle and let one drop fall into the space between the lower eyelid and the eye. Take care that the tip of the bottle does not touch your eye, the skin around your eye or your fingers.
Close your eye for a moment. When both eyes are to be treated, repeat for the other eye. Replace the cap straight away. Whilst applying the drops, do not breathe on or touch the dropper nozzle, touch the eyes or eyelids with the dropper nozzle, or share your eye drops with anyone else. For external use only.
For adults and children aged over 2 years, apply one drop to the affected eye(s) every 2 hours for the first two days and 4 hourly thereafter. Use during waking hours only. The course of treatment is 5 days. Keep using these eye drops for 5 days. Do not stop just because you feel better as it could make your condition worse.
Contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, do not wear your lenses during the course of treatment. Soft contact lenses should not be replaced for 24 hours after completing the treatment.
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by an infection or allergies. The white part of one or both of your eyes will be red and/or your eyelids will be red or swollen. There will be a sticky discharge, which can make the eye difficult to open in the morning and the eye may feel ‘gritty’ or ‘irritated’.
Is Optrex Infected Eye Drops suitable for children?
Yes, Optrex Infected Eye Drops are suitable for children over the age of 2. If you’re looking for a conjunctivitis treatment for a child under the age of 2, you should speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice on alternative treatment options.
Is Optrex Infected Eye Drops suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice before using any new product.
Can you drive or operate machinery after using Optrex Infected Eye Drops?
Optrex Infected Eye Drops can cause temporary blurred vision after use. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision is clear. If in doubt, talk to your Chemist4U pharmacist or doctor.
When should this product not be used?
Optrex Infected Eye Drops may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not use this product if you’re allergic to chloramphenicol or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not use this product if:
- You have ever had problems with your blood (in particular very low numbers of blood cells) during previous treatment with chloramphenicol
- You have bone-marrow depression or a family history of blood problems such as low white blood cell, red blood cell, or platelet counts
Talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have any of the following:
- Are taking any other medicines
- Suffer from any other eye problems
Are there any side effects?
Like all medicines, Optrex Infected Eye Drops may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness. Side effects may include:
- Discolouration or clouding of the eye surface (cornea) or lens due to the preservative
- Blurred vision, eye irritation or mild burning or stinging when you put the drops in
- Irritation of the skin around the eyes
For more information on potential side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet. If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Storage information
Store between 2°C to 8°C. This is the temperature of most domestic refrigerators. Discard any unused product within 28 days of opening. Store out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support
