Chloramphenicol

Antibiotic (eye and ear drops)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Chloramphenicol is a antibiotic (eye and ear drops) found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Pyrimon. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

How it works

An antibiotic used as eye drops and ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis, and ear drops.

How to take it

Eye drops: 1 drop every 2 hours for 2 days, then 4 times a day, for 5 days in total.

Common side effects

  • Brief stinging
  • Blurred vision

Get medical help straight away if

  • Eye pain, sensitivity to light or vision change (see a doctor)
  • No improvement in 2 days

Be careful

Do not touch the dropper to the eye.

Other medicines and interactions

No important interactions with eye use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless a doctor advises it.

Combination medicines that contain Chloramphenicol (1)

Pyrimon

Common questions

What is Chloramphenicol used for?

Treats bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

How does Chloramphenicol work?

An antibiotic used as eye drops and ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis, and ear drops.

How should I take Chloramphenicol?

Eye drops: 1 drop every 2 hours for 2 days, then 4 times a day, for 5 days in total.

What are the side effects of Chloramphenicol?

Common: Brief stinging, blurred vision. Get help straight away for: Eye pain, sensitivity to light or vision change (see a doctor), no improvement in 2 days.

Does Chloramphenicol interact with other medicines?

No important interactions with eye use.

Is Chloramphenicol safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless a doctor advises it.

Does Chloramphenicol need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Chloramphenicol?

Pyrimon.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

🔎 Search another medicine

For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.