Eye infection

[Treesha]

I know chloramphenical cannot be used as an antibiotic for infection when taking MTX but does this apply to chloramphenical eye drops?

[LavendarLady]

I did take chloramphenical drops after I had cataracts done last year without any ill effects and my eye surgeon did know I was on MTX and Enbrel. I had to take them in decreasing dosage over 4 weeks to prevent any infection in my eyes.

If you have an infected eye, see your GP first before trying to self treat -the eye is such a delicate structure wrong treatment can do untold damage.

Hope that helps. LavendarLady x

[Treesha]

Thanks LL I am prone to eye problems ( infections and corneal ulcers ) I have always used chloramphenical in the past. Things are different now though because of MTX I am going to check at gp surgery on my way home from work. Thanks again xx

[whitedog]

I've got Glaucoma in one eye and have taken Chloramphenical after my last eye operation while taking MTX without problems. I also developed shingles the day after that op but I never told my rheumatology doctors - just went to the GP. I read today, in a leaflet that I should have told them in case special meds was needed!

Oh well...

[Hidden]

I have just checked in BNF for interacations with methotrexate and chloramphenicol and there are none, chloramphenicol eye drops will be safe, they are also a topical antibiotic rather than an oral antibiotic.

There are several antibiotics which are a problem and this isnt one of them.

[Shelley1701]

Hi. I was recently prescribed those drops for an eye infection by my GP. He knew I was on MTX and said it was fine. Finished the course about 3 weeks ago. No ill effects so far.

[Treesha]

Thanks everyone for all your advice I have started another course of drops, just. Hope it doesn't lead to another corneal ulcer, fingers crossed. xxx