Eye drops update

An update on the use of chloramphenicol 0.5% multi-dose eye drops has been issued, which stated that it could now only given to adults and children over two years of age.

The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency was reviewing the evidence for this change and the College of Optometrists said it would notify members of the review’s outcome.

This change did not apply to chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment, or chloramphenicol 0.5% minims eye drops. However, as the minim form also contains the same boron based excipients as the multi-dose eye drop form, the College recommend that this too should not be used in children under two years old.