What is chlorop eye ointment used for?

October 6, 2025 •

5 min read

Chloramphenicol, the active ingredient in chlorop eye ointment, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been in use since the late 1940s. It is a reliable treatment for various superficial bacterial eye infections, particularly bacterial conjunctivitis. The ointment formulation provides sustained contact with the eye's surface, ensuring the medication effectively targets the infection.

Quick Summary

Chlorop eye ointment treats superficial bacterial eye infections, including conjunctivitis and blepharitis. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by stopping bacterial growth. Proper application and precautions are essential for effective treatment.

Key Points

Primary Use: Chlorop eye ointment, containing the antibiotic chloramphenicol, is used to treat superficial bacterial eye infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Mechanism of Action: It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying.
Rare but Serious Risk: The medication carries an extremely rare but serious risk of aplastic anemia, which is a major reason for cautious and medically supervised use.
Usage Restrictions: It should only be used for bacterial infections, as it is ineffective against viral or fungal conditions. Contact lenses must not be worn during treatment.
Proper Application: Requires careful, hygienic application to the lower eyelid to maximize effectiveness and minimize contamination.
Alternatives: Newer, often safer alternatives like fluoroquinolones (e.g., moxifloxacin) exist for treating bacterial eye infections.
Rising Resistance: The potential for bacterial resistance due to overuse is a growing concern, emphasizing the need for proper antimicrobial stewardship.

Understanding chloramphenicol and its mechanism

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative types. This makes it a versatile option for combating many of the bacteria that cause common eye infections. The drug's mechanism of action involves inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. It does this by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which prevents the formation of peptide bonds and stops the bacteria from growing and multiplying.

Because of its bacteriostatic (and sometimes bactericidal at high concentrations) properties, chloramphenicol effectively controls the spread of the infection, allowing the body's immune system to clear the remaining bacteria. This targeted action helps alleviate symptoms such as redness, itching, discharge, and irritation associated with bacterial eye infections.

Primary therapeutic uses

Chlorop eye ointment is indicated for the treatment of various superficial ocular infections caused by susceptible bacteria. The most common conditions it is prescribed for include:

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Often called 'pink eye,' this is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the inside of the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and a yellowish-green, sticky discharge. Chlorop ointment is a very effective treatment for this condition.
Bacterial Blepharitis: This condition involves inflammation of the eyelids, which can be caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include red, swollen, and itchy eyelids.
Keratitis: An inflammation of the cornea, which can be caused by bacteria. Treatment with an antibiotic like chloramphenicol helps prevent the infection from worsening and causing damage to the cornea.
Other superficial ocular infections: It is also used for other bacterial infections of the cornea and conjunctiva where the causative organism is known to be susceptible to chloramphenicol.

It is crucial to note that chlorop eye ointment is ineffective against viral or fungal eye infections. A doctor must determine the specific cause of the infection to ensure the correct medication is used.

How to apply the eye ointment

Proper application is essential for the medication's effectiveness and to avoid contamination. The following steps should be followed:

Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after application.
Prepare the eye: Tilt your head back and gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pouch.
Apply the ointment: Hold the tube above the eye and squeeze a thin strip of ointment (about 1 cm or 1/3 inch) into the pouch created by the lower eyelid.
Avoid contamination: Do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye or any other surface.
Close the eye: Gently release the eyelid and close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the ointment to spread.
Wipe and store: Wipe any excess ointment from the tip with a clean tissue and recap the tube tightly.

The frequency of application and duration of treatment should be followed as directed by a healthcare professional.

Potential side effects and precautions

While chloramphenicol eye ointment is generally well-tolerated, it is not without risks, and certain precautions must be taken.

Rare, Serious Risk: The most significant concern with chloramphenicol is the extremely rare but severe risk of aplastic anemia and other blood dyscrasias, primarily associated with the oral formulation. However, rare cases have been reported even with topical use. It is for this reason that it is typically reserved for serious infections where other less potent antibiotics may be ineffective.
Common Side Effects: Some common side effects include temporary stinging, burning, or blurred vision immediately after application. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, including itching or irritation.
Contact Lenses: Contact lenses should not be worn while treating an eye infection with chloramphenicol. The ointment can damage soft lenses, and the infection itself is a contraindication for lens wear. Patients should wait at least 24 hours after the last dose before reinserting them.
Overgrowth of Organisms: Prolonged use of any antibiotic can lead to the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If the infection worsens or new infections appear, treatment should be discontinued, and a doctor should be consulted.

Comparing chloramphenicol to other antibiotics

Many alternative ophthalmic antibiotics are available today, with newer options often preferred due to lower systemic risk profiles. However, chloramphenicol remains a useful and cost-effective option in many regions.


Feature	Chloramphenicol Ointment	Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Moxifloxacin)	Erythromycin Ointment
Mechanism	Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 50S ribosomal subunit.	Inhibits bacterial DNA replication.	Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 50S ribosomal subunit.
Spectrum	Broad-spectrum, effective against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.	Broad-spectrum, including high activity against Gram-negative bacteria.	Broad-spectrum, primarily effective against Gram-positive bacteria.
Aplastic Anemia Risk	Extremely rare but serious risk associated with topical use.	No significant risk reported.	No significant risk reported.
Common Side Effects	Temporary blurred vision, stinging, burning, allergic reactions.	Generally well-tolerated, can cause mild irritation.	Can cause stinging, burning, or blurred vision.
Application Frequency	Varies by drug and medical advice.	Varies by drug, often less frequent (e.g., 2-4 times daily).	Varies, can be multiple times a day.
Cost	Often a cost-effective option, particularly in developing nations.	Newer, may be more expensive.	Generally inexpensive and widely available.
Resistance Concerns	Evidence of rising resistance due to frequent use.	Requires two mutations for resistance, making it less susceptible.	Resistance patterns vary and are a concern.

Conclusion

Chlorop eye ointment, containing the antibiotic chloramphenicol, is a proven and effective medication for treating superficial bacterial eye infections like conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Its ability to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis allows it to quickly control the infection's spread. While the ointment is generally safe for topical use, it carries a rare but serious risk of aplastic anemia, which necessitates its use under medical supervision and for serious infections. Modern alternatives like fluoroquinolones offer similar efficacy with lower systemic risk. Therefore, while still a useful tool, especially in regions where it's cost-effective, its role and the rising concern of antimicrobial resistance mean that its prescription should be carefully considered by a healthcare professional. For many minor eye infections, treatment may not even be necessary, as they can clear up on their own. Always consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

For more information on chloramphenicol, consult reliable medical sources such as the NHS at https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/chloramphenicol/.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

In some countries, chloramphenicol eye drops and ointment are available to purchase from pharmacies for use in adults and children over 2 years of age without a prescription, particularly for common conjunctivitis. However, this varies by location and a prescription is needed for children under 2.

Yes, chloramphenicol can be used in children, including babies, under medical supervision. For children under 2, it should only be used if prescribed by a doctor. The dosage is adjusted based on age, and an ointment may be preferred to avoid boron-containing excipients sometimes found in drops.

For most eye infections, improvement is often seen within two days of starting treatment. It is important to continue the full course of treatment as prescribed by a healthcare provider, usually for at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.

You should not wear contact lenses during treatment with chlorop eye ointment. Contact lenses should not be worn while you have an active eye infection, and you should wait at least 24 hours after the last dose before reinserting them.

No, chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that only treats bacterial infections. It is not effective against viral infections, such as those that can cause viral pink eye.

Common side effects include temporary stinging or burning in the eye immediately after application, as well as temporary blurred vision. These effects usually last for only a short time.

The risk of aplastic anemia, a serious blood disorder, is extremely rare with topical use of chloramphenicol. While primarily associated with the oral form, the possibility exists, which is why it is used with caution.

After washing your hands, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket, and squeeze a small strip of ointment (about 1 cm) into the pocket. Close the eye for a minute or two to allow the ointment to spread. Avoid touching the tube tip to the eye.

If symptoms worsen at any time or do not improve within 48 hours, you should seek prompt medical advice. This could indicate that the infection is not responding to the medication or is not bacterial in nature.