Antibiotic eye drops available Over The Counter

This move represents the first antibiotic eye treatment that can be accessed without a prescription in the UK and highlights the Government’s commitment to expand the range of medicines available for self-medication.  Topical antibiotics for conjunctivitis are generally used on the grounds that they speed recovery.  Being able to purchase this medicine in a pharmacy will therefore enable patients to take control of their own healthcare by accessing treatment straight away without having to spend time visiting their doctor.

 'Chloramphenicol has been used in clinical practice for more than 50 years.  Its safety profile and its efficacy in the topical treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis are well established.  The case for making this medicine available over the counter, both in terms of patient safety and the risk of emergent bacterial resistance, has been debated thoroughly.  We are convinced that the potential health benefits outweigh any risks to patients, or to the community at large,' said MHRA chief executive, Professor Kent Woods.