Synthomycin (Chloramphenicol)

Synthomycin Eye Drops or Ointment (Chloramphenicol)

Synthomycin eye drops or ointment (the active ingredient is called Chloramphenicol) are used to treat bacterial eye infections. In conjunctivitis, the eye becomes inflamed and there may be a sensation of roughness and increased tearing in the infected eye. The white of the eye will look red, and the eyelids can become swollen and stick to each other upon waking in the morning due to discharge from the eye. Usually the infection appears in one eye and frequently spreads to the other eye as well. Most cases of conjunctivitis pass within a few days even without treatment, but in more severe cases, or when the infection does not pass on its own, local antibiotic treatment is required. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment such as Synthomycin can be effective.

What Is Synthomycin?

Synthomycin is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria and damaging them. It is important to understand that antibiotics treat only infections caused by bacteria and not other infections (for example viral ones). Unnecessary use or an incorrect manner of use of antibiotics can lead to a decline in their effectiveness and to the creation of resistance among bacteria, which will make treating them difficult if a real need appears.

Can Contact Lenses Be Worn With Synthomycin?

Contact lenses should not be worn while using the medication. The lenses should be disinfected well and confirmed with the ophthalmologist that they can be used again at the end of treatment. In order to prevent infection, it is important to wash hands before applying the Synthomycin ointment and to make sure that the tip of the tube does not come into contact with the eye. Tilt the head back, look up, and gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a pocket. Into the pocket that is created, place a strip of ointment about a centimeter long, and then roll the eyeball in all directions, thereby allowing the ointment to be spread evenly and widely. Avoid strong blinking or rubbing the eye. In most cases the ophthalmologist will ask to perform the action in the other eye as well, at a frequency that will also be determined by them.

How Long to Wait Between Eye Drops and Ointments?

If there are additional medications the patient uses in the eyes (for example drops or ointments), a wait of at least 5 to 10 minutes is needed before using them. If using drops and ointments, it is advisable to instill the drops first, otherwise the ointment will prevent them from penetrating the eye and performing their function. It is important to keep to regular use of the antibiotic, since stopping too early or irregular intake will allow the bacteria to proliferate and the infection to return. If the infection returns or does not pass despite the treatment, return to the treating physician.

Side Effects of Synthomycin (Chloramphenicol)

Side effects: 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 — 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. Another rare and dangerous phenomenon is a blood disorder (for example bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia), and therefore it is important to inform the physician if you experience bleeding or bruising easily (multiple and/or extensive bruises due to relatively minor trauma), a prolonged sore throat, fever, or extreme fatigue.

When Should the Ointment Not Be Used?

There are conditions in which the medication must not be used, and therefore it is important to consult with the treating ophthalmologist before use. You should mention if there is a viral eye infection (for example herpes), another type of eye infection (for example tuberculosis, fungus), or a history of an abnormal reaction to chloramphenicol (Synthomycin). It is also important to know the medical history, for example liver diseases, kidney diseases, anemia, past radiation, and more.

Blurred Vision With Synthomycin

After using the medication, vision is expected to be temporarily blurred. During this time you must not drive, must not operate heavy or dangerous machinery, or perform any activity in which blurred vision could endanger the patient or others, until vision returns to being clear. The treating physician should know if the patient is pregnant, which will prevent use of the medication close to birth due to possible harm to the newborn. In addition, the medication passes into breast milk, so it is also not recommended during breastfeeding. All of the above require informing the physician and emphasize the importance of each patient's personal condition for making the decisions.

Where Should It Be Stored?

As with any other medication, proper storage of the medication is important. Keep out of the reach of children. Synthomycin eye drops (including single-use units) should be kept in the refrigerator (at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius). Synthomycin eye ointment is stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct light or heat. After the end of the treatment days, throw away the vial or the ointment tube, even if medication remains in them, since they will not be good for use at a later stage. Single-use units must be used immediately upon opening since they do not contain a preservative.