Synthomycin 3% vs Synthomycin 5%

The antibiotic ointment Synthomycin (Synthomycine) has a variety of purposes and is often given to both children and adults. Chloramphenicol serves as the main active ingredient of Synthomycin. The antibiotic chloramphenicol is used to treat a variety of diseases and is an antibacterial (bacteria-fighting) agent used to treat various infections.

There are several differences between Synthomycin 3% and Synthomycin 5%. First, Synthomycin can be used for local skin infections, such as a bacterial skin inflammation, an infected skin wound, or inflammation of the skin around the nails, or to treat a bacterial eye inflammation. The different concentrations are adapted to the type of treatment and the manner of use of the medication.

Second, the ointment exists in two main concentrations: while Synthomycin 3% is intended for skin treatment, for infections by bacteria that are sensitive to this antibiotic, Synthomycin 5% is intended for treating eye inflammation according to a broad antibiotic range against many pathogens.

Conjunctivitis causes inflammation in the eye, and the infected eye may experience increased tearing as well as a sensation of roughness. After sleep, the white of the eye may look red and the eyelids may be swollen and stuck to each other, due to discharge from the inflamed eye during sleep. The eye infection usually begins in one eye and often spreads to the other as well. Even without treatment, most cases of conjunctivitis pass within a few days, but in more severe cases, or when the infection does not pass on its own, local antibiotic treatment is needed. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment such as Synthomycin may be useful in these circumstances.

Most patients who use the medication will not experience side effects at all or will experience only mild side effects. Temporarily, blurred vision, burning, tingling, and redness may appear. If these effects persist or worsen, one should see a physician. A severe allergic reaction to the medication is rare but exists. If you experience symptoms of an allergy:

For most patients who use the medication Synthomycin 5%, there will be no adverse effects at all or only moderate side effects. Blurred vision, burning, tingling, and temporary redness are the possible symptoms after using the ointment. You should see a physician if these symptoms worsen or continue to occur. It is rare, but possible, that the medication will cause a severe allergic reaction. If allergic reactions arise such as rash, itching, swelling (especially in the area of the face, tongue, and throat), dizziness, or difficulty breathing, it may be an emergency and immediate medical assistance should be obtained.

Also, it is essential to tell your physician if you experience bleeding (recurring and/or large bruises due to a relatively minor injury), since Synthomycin can rarely cause abnormal blood disorders (for example, bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia). The side effects of using Synthomycin include, among others, a prolonged sore throat, fever, or excessive exhaustion.

The duration of use of the medication is usually 5 to 10 days. The type of infection and the required duration of treatment are two measures that affect the length of the medication's effect and the required duration of treatment. Follow the treating physician's instructions regarding the duration of treatment.