Dexacol Chloramphenicol 20 mg/5 mL (0.4% w/v) and dexamethasone sodium phosphate 5 mg/5 mL (0.1% w/v)

Indication

The package identifies use for infectious or allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, dacryocystitis, iritis, and prevention of eye infection before and after surgery. Use only when prescribed by a physician.

Ingredients

• Chloramphenicol 20 mg per 5 mL
• Dexamethasone sodium phosphate 5 mg per 5 mL

Direction

As directed by a physician, instill 1–2 drops several times a day. The package says treatment should not exceed 10 days.

Side effects

• Reported chloramphenicol effects include rash
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• hives
• and hypersensitivity. Rare but serious blood disorders
• including irreversible aplastic anemia and other bone
• marrow suppression
• have been reported
• visual or peripheral neuritis and confusion may also occur. Seek medical advice promptly for unusual bruising or bleeding
• persistent fever or infection
• rash
• or vision or nerve symptoms.

Precautions

• Prescription only. Do not use if allergic to any ingredient
• in newborn infants
• with bone
• marrow depression
• viral or fungal eye infection
• ocular tuberculosis
• or glaucoma. Do not use for longer than 10 days unless specifically directed by a physician. Prolonged chloramphenicol use can cause serious bone
• marrow toxicity
• stop and seek medical advice for new visual or neurologic symptoms
• rash
• unusual bruising
• or signs of infection. Avoid concurrent eye drops containing another antibiotic or sulfonamide unless directed by a physician. Long
• term use requires medical supervision.