Chloramphenicol eye drops and ointment
1 drop every 2 hours for 2 days, then 4 times daily; ointment at night. Continue 48 hours after healing, about 5 days in total.
On this page
Dose
| Form | Dose |
|---|---|
| 0.5% drops | 1 drop every 2 hours for 48 hours, then every 4 hours while awake |
| 1% ointment | At night with drops, or 3–4 times daily alone |
Continue for 48 hours after the eye looks normal (usually 5 days total).
Cautions
- Stinging; rare blood disorders (very rare with eye use).
- Remove contact lenses during treatment.
- Refer red flags: pain, reduced vision, photophobia, contact lens wearers with a red eye.
Frequently asked questions
Does conjunctivitis need antibiotic drops?
Most bacterial conjunctivitis settles on its own in a week; drops speed recovery slightly.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.