Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment

Uses of Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment

• Bacterial Eye Infections

How does Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment work?

Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment belongs to an antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria that cause eye infections. It does so by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. This does not directly remove the bacteria but prevents them from increasing in numbers and eventually clears up the eye infection.

Side Effects of Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment

• Redness in eyes
• Itching eyes
• Irritation, burning, or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Eyelid swelling
• Eye irritation
• Dry eyes
• Eye pain and discomfort

Quick Suggestions:

• It's important to take the full course of treatment and not skip any doses, even if you start feeling better. This ensures complete eradication of the bacteria and reduces the risk of recurrence.
• When applying the medication, be careful not to touch the tip of the tube to any surface or your eye to prevent contamination. This helps maintain the sterility of the medication.
• Allow 5-10 minutes between administering different eye medications in the same eye to avoid dilution and ensure proper absorption of each medication.
• Continue using the medication for 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared up. However, do not exceed five days of use without consulting your doctor.
• Opsophenicol may cause temporary blurring of vision when first used. Use caution before driving or operating machinery until your vision returns to normal.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to maintain good hygiene and prevent the spread of infection.
• Keep your clothes, towels, and bedsheets separate from others to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
• If you wear contact lenses, ensure you practice good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly before wearing or removing contact lenses. Avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming, and if accidentally used during the infection, replace them with a new pair.
• If engaging in activities like cycling or trekking through the forest, consider wearing protective eye gear to prevent foreign particles from entering the eyes.
• If you experience eye irritation, refrain from rubbing your eyes as it can worsen the condition or introduce additional contaminants.
• If your eye infection persists or worsens after using Opsophenicol for a week, it's advisable to consult an eye specialist for further evaluation and management.
• If your symptoms haven't started improving within two days of starting treatment, if they worsen during treatment, or if you develop another eye infection, speak to your doctor for appropriate guidance.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses until your infection has completely cleared up to prevent further irritation or complications.
• Dispose of any remaining medication at the end of the 5-day course as per proper disposal guidelines.

Indication of Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment

Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment is used for the treatment of bacterial eye infections.

Pharmacology

Chloramphenicol is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, meaning it inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria. It has a broad spectrum of action, meaning it is effective against a wide range of bacterial species. Chloramphenicol works by interfering with the transfer of activated amino acids from soluble RNA to ribosomes during bacterial protein synthesis.

Specifically, chloramphenicol binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which is involved in the formation of peptide bonds during protein synthesis. By binding to the ribosome, chloramphenicol prevents the peptidyl transferase enzyme from catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds, thereby inhibiting the elongation of the bacterial protein chain.

Chloramphenicol exhibits both bacteriostatic and, in higher concentrations, bactericidal action against certain bacteria, including Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitides, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Its mechanism of action makes it effective against these bacteria by inhibiting their protein synthesis and ultimately leading to their growth inhibition or death.

Dosage & Administration of Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment

For Adults and Children:

• Instill 1 or 2 drops of the medication into the conjunctival sac (the space between the eyelid and the eyeball) 4-6 times per day for the first 72 hours.
• After the initial 72 hours, continue instilling the drops every 4 hours.
• Treatment should be continued for approximately 7 days, but it should not be extended beyond 3 weeks without re-evaluation by a physician.

For Adult Ocular Infections:

• Apply Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment 3-4 times daily.

Special Consideration for Hepatic Impairment:

• A dose reduction of Opsophenicol may be necessary for individuals with liver impairment. This adjustment should be determined by a healthcare professional.

Always use the Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment as prescribed by the doctor. It is for ophthalmic use only. Check the label for directions before use.

Interaction

Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment may interact with several drugs. Here are the drug interactions to be aware of:

• Anticholinergic agents (such as atropine): There may be an interaction between Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment and anticholinergic agents. It is advisable to consult with your doctor if you are using or planning to use these medications together.
• HIV/AIDS drugs (ritonavir, cobicistat): There may be potential interactions between Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment and HIV/AIDS drugs like ritonavir and cobicistat. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including antiretroviral drugs.
• Antibiotics (erythromycin, amoxicillin, azlocillin, bacampicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and polymyxin B): Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment may interact with various antibiotics. It is recommended to inform your doctor if you are using or have recently used any antibiotics.
• Anti-epileptic drug (carbamazepine): There may be an interaction between Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment and the anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine. It is important to discuss this with your doctor, especially if you are using both medications.
• Anti-diabetic medication (chlorpropamide): Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment may interact with anti-diabetic drugs like chlorpropamide. It is advisable to inform your doctor about your diabetic medication regimen.

Contraindications

Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment should not be used by individuals with a known history of hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to chloramphenicol or any of the other components present in the preparation. If you have experienced an allergic reaction to chloramphenicol or any related substances in the past, it is important to avoid using this medication and consult with your healthcare provider for alternative treatment options.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The safety of using Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established through extensive studies. Therefore, it should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks, and under the guidance and recommendation of a healthcare professional. It is important to consult with your doctor before using any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding to ensure the best course of action for you and your baby.

Precautions & Warnings

Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment is not suitable for use in cases of viral eye infections or other types of eye infections, such as tuberculosis or fungal infections, without consulting a doctor first. It is important to seek professional advice to determine the appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

After applying Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment, your vision may become blurred for a period of time. As a precaution, it is advised not to drive or operate machinery or engage in activities that require clear vision until your vision has returned to normal.

Prolonged use of Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment can increase the risk of intraocular pressure, which may lead to glaucoma and potential damage to the optic nerve, resulting in visual impairments. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo regular eye checkups to monitor the intraocular pressure and ensure the health of your eyes.

Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment contains benzalkonium chloride as an excipient, which can potentially discolor soft contact lenses. It is advisable to avoid wearing soft contact lenses for a certain period of time after using Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment to prevent any discoloration or adverse effects on the lenses.

Storage Conditions

• Store Opsophenicol 1% Eye Ointment at room temperature in a clean and dry place.
• Keep the medicine away from children and pets.
• You must not use the eye ointment once the expiry date has passed and discard it properly.
• You need to discard the medicine 4 weeks from first opening it.