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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

25 weeks pregnant - have used optrex eye drops

8 replies

RC000 · 16/02/2019 20:42

Looking for reassurance...
I am 25 weeks pregnant and woke up with conjunctivitis. I sent DH to chemist who came back with optrex chloramphenicol eye drops. Have used about 5 times today. Then I put a bit too much in and could taste it at the back of my mouth. It then occured to me whether DH told chemist I was pregnant-he didn't. Cue a manic google and NHS says not safe to take. Feeling panicked. A lot of conflicting info online but general consensus (and NHS) is no. I only took 5 doses but could taste it on final dose? Am I being silly? Also eye is v itchy so how will I get rid of infection? One dreadful google thread mentioned something called grey baby syndrome which I couldn't bring myself to google...
Thank you

OP posts:
Bamchic · 16/02/2019 20:45

If you’re worried call 111 for reassurance x

Byebyefriend · 16/02/2019 20:46

No idea about eye drops but every drug pretty much says don't take whilst pregnant (I was on 2 prescribed in the last pregnancy that said it) it's because you can't ethically do drug trials on pregnant women so not proven safe.

Don't use anymore and check with your midwife so hopefully she/he can reassure you.

Original poster
RC000 · 16/02/2019 20:51

Thank you x

OP posts:
FrozenMargarita17 · 16/02/2019 20:58

OP I'm sure you'll be fine if you stop using it now. You can ask a pharmacist for something else to help x

Original poster
RC000 · 17/02/2019 10:41

Thanks all. I have stopped using but finding it difficult to shake the worry. Google seems to say most dangerous in final few weeks of pregnancy and Im hoping as I took so little it will be okay. I have a midwife app next week so I will ask.

OP posts:
Refilona · 17/02/2019 11:49

I’d ring a pharmacy and ask if I were you, just to put your mind at ease. A similar thing happened to me and I rang about 10 pharmacies (crazy I know) and one of the pharmacists actually laughed and said that being so worried and worked up is worse for the baby than the medication I had used. It’ll be fine!

Cel982 · 17/02/2019 11:54

GP here, OP. The risks are from oral or intravenous chloramphenicol, not from eye drops. The amount that gets into your bloodstream from drops is absolutely tiny. There's a research paper here you might find reassuring: www.ophthalmologytimes.com/modern-medicine-feature-articles/topical-chloramphenicol-not-associated-birth-defects

Original poster
RC000 · 17/02/2019 12:56

Thank you so much! V reassuring. My husband went back to chemist and they were v relaxed about it. Even said if eye gets bad to just take it again... which I won't do but reassured me! Thanks all x

OP posts:
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