Who Can And Cannot Use Chloramphenicol

Who can use chloramphenicol

Most adults and children aged 2 years or over can use chloramphenicol.

Children under 2 years can sometimes use it, but only if it's prescribed for them.

Who may not be able to use chloramphenicol

Chloramphenicol is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

you have ever had an allergic reaction to chloramphenicol or any other medicine
you or anyone in your family has ever had any problems with their blood, such as aplastic anaemia - this is a rare condition when your bone marrow does not produce blood cells

Who may not be able to use eye drops or ointment

Before using chloramphenicol for eye infections, tell you pharmacist or doctor if you're using any other eye drops or ointment, or if you normally wear contact lenses.

It's also important to speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you have:

any problems with your eyesight, or severe eye pain
swollen eyes, and a rash on your face or head
a cloudy eye
unusual looking pupils - irregular size, bigger than normal (dilated), or not reacting to light
had a recent eye injury, or something in your eye
recently had conjunctivitis
dry eyes - when your eyes do not produce enough tears
glaucoma
eyes that are sensitive to light
recurring eye infections
had eye surgery or laser treatment in the last 6 months

Who may not be able to use ear drops

Before using chloramphenicol ear drops, tell your doctor if you:

currently have a perforated (burst) eardrum
are allergic to polyethylene glycol - an ingredient used in some medicines and cosmetics, and found in some foods

Sexual Health Advice

Throughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:

	This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer.
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