Chloramphenicol eye ointment

[Kaykay2]

Hi all
my child has go conjunctivitis and has been prescribed chloramphenicol eye ointment to use. When I asked how to use it she said to put on finger and put it on bottom of their eye lid, which I did.
I was just reading the paper instructions and say that you should not let it touch your skin fingers etc. I have major anxiety when it comes to these things and I’m now worrying it’s going to harm me and go in my system. Due to my anxiety i do google stuff and has been saying that it can damage my blood, bone marrow. And also can affect reproductive system
please can anyone help and tell me whether this is true or not. I’m really scared that it will affect my fertility too. please also be kind as it may sound silly to you but to me it’s not.

thanks

Just squeeze it directly into lower lid. Or wear gloves if you're that worried.

Hi there - the reason it says not to touch it is that bacteria from your fingers can get into the eye. It's nothing to do with it getting into your bloodstream otherwise they wouldn't let you put it in your eye.

Often the advice from a GP or pharmacist can "override" the paper instructions. So if they've said to apply with fingers then there is probably a good reason for this. Just make sure you thoroughly wash your hands before applying. Hope your child is better soon.

Thanks for the messages I have just put it on straight from the cap so I don’t touch it.
My anxiety gets the better of me and takes over and makes wonder and think if it would harm me in anyway like what it said on google.

It's not as if you are eating the stuff, you be fine.

The reason for not touching your finger to it is to minimise bacteria transfer into the eye. It's fine and it'll be okay. GP likely said to do it that way because that might be easier with a child, but if you can do it straight from the cap that's best.

If it would harm you by going into your bloodstream they wouldn't be putting it into your daughter's eye!

(I know it's already been said but I know it helps to have confirmation)

Sorry for some reason I thought you'd said your DD!

Also you have to be really careful with googling. There is a lot of rubbish online.

It's particularly not a good idea when you have a health anxiety or similar.

I second the above Your DC will be ok as the chloramphenicol is an antibiotic anyway
I agree it's awkward to squeeze the ointment along the lid as it's thick

OP the risk you’ve read about is a condition called aplastic anaemia which has been linked to chloramphenicol use. However, there has never been a case in the UK linked to a short term course given for conjunctivitis treatment.