Barriers to effective communication in management

Chlorsig®eye drops and eye ointment–Consumer Medicine InformationPage 1of 4Chlorsig®eye drops and eye ointmentchloramphenicolConsumer Medicine Information (CMI)What is in this leafletThis leaflet answers some common questions about Chlorsig.It does not contain all of the available information.It does not take the place of talking to your doctor,pharmacistor optometrist.All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor,pharmacist or optometrist has weighed the risks of you taking Chlorsig against the benefits they expect it will have for you.If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor,pharmacistor optometrist.Keep this leaflet with the medicine.You may need to read it again.What Chlorsigis used forChlorsigcontains chloramphenicol, a synthetic antibiotic, as the active ingredient.Chlorsigis available as eye drops and eye ointment, for external use only.It is used to treat an eye infection called bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a bacterial infection involving the mucous membrane of the surface of the eye.The mostcommon symptom is the presence of a sticky yellow-white discharge with mucus and pus (or glued eyes, especially in the morning on waking). Other symptoms include a gritty sensation in the eye, redness, irritation and watering of the eyes. The infection usually starts in one eye and then spreads to the other.Ask your doctor, pharmacist or optometrist if you have any questions about why Chlorsighas been prescribed for you.Theymay have prescribed it for another purpose.When you must not use itDonot use Chlorsigifyou are allergic to chloramphenicolor any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction to Chlorsig may include irritation, pain and swelling in the eye. Skin rashes, blisters and fever may also occur.Do not give Chlorsig to children under 2 years of age unless your doctor or optometrist tells you.Do not use Chlorsig after the expiry date (EXP.) printed on the pack.Do not use Chlorsig if the packaging is torn, broken or shows signs of tampering.Before you start ChlorsigTell your doctor if the following conditions apply to you:you or your family have blood disorders (e.g. anaemia) or problems with bone marrowyou have an injury to the cornea.Eye preparations may inhibit the healing of the wound.you wear contact lenses. Chlorsig should not be worn during the course of Chlorsig treatment. If you wear hardor disposablecontact lenses, you can start using them again after completing the course of treatment. If wearing softcontact lenses, you should wait 24 hours after completing a course of treatment before starting to use them again.you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist will advise you of the risks and benefits of taking Chlorsig in pregnancy.you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your doctor, optometrist or
Chlorsig®eye drops and eye ointment–Consumer Medicine InformationPage 2of 4pharmacistwill advise you of the risks and benefits of taking Chlorsig while breastfeeding. If you have bought this medicinewithout a prescription and without prior consultation from a doctor or optometrist, it is important to check the following list. Speak toyour doctor or optometrist if any apply before you start to use Chlorsig:you are allergicto any other antibiotic eye drops or ointmentsyou are using other eye drops or eye ointmentsyou have pain within your eye (rather than just feeling sore or gritty) swelling around the eyeblurred vision or sensitivity to lightlimited eye movementabnormal pupil (the black circle in the centre of the eye) your eye looks cloudythere is copious yellow-green purulent discharge that accumulates after being wiped awayyou have injured your eyeor there is a foreign body in the eyeyou have been welding without eye protection immediately before your eye symptoms appearedyou have glaucomayou have dry eye syndromeyou have had similar symptoms in the past you have had eye surgery or laser treatment in the past six monthsyou have recently travelled overseasyou are allergic to any other medicines or any foods, dyes or preservativesyou have surgery (including dental surgery) using a general anaestheticyou feel unwellyou have any other medical conditions.If you have not told your doctoror optometrist about any of the above,tellthem before youuse Chlorsig.Taking other medicinesTell your doctor, optometrist or pharmacistif you are using any other medicines, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.Some medicines may interfere with Chlorsig. These include other eye drops and eye ointments.These medicines may reduceor increase the effectiveness of Chlorsig, reduce its own effectiveness and/or react with Chlorsig resulting in untoward or sometimes dangerous side effects.Your doctor, optometrist orpharmacisthas more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while using this medicine.How to use itFollow all directions given to you by your doctor, optometrist or pharmacistcarefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.How much to useThe dose of Chlorsig may be different for each person and their medical condition. Your doctor, optometrist or pharmacistwill recommend the right dose for you.Do not use in children under 2 years of age except on doctor’s advice.The usual recommended doses are:Chlorsig eye drops: For adults and children(2 years and over): Instil 1 or 2 eye drops in the affected eye(s) every two to six hours for up to 5daysor as directed by your doctor, optometrist or pharmacist. Chlorsig eye ointment:For adults and children (2years and over): Apply 1.5cm of eye ointment every three hoursfor up to 5 days or as directed by your doctor, optometristor pharmacist. If ointment is used together with drops for day and night coverage,eye ointment should be applied before bedtimewhile using the drops during the day. If the condition does not get better after 2 days, seek medical advice.How to apply Chlorsig eye drops:wash hands thoroughly before and after useopen the eye, tilt head back and look upwardsgently pull down the lower lid to form a pouchapproach the eye from the side and hold the bottle dropper near the lid, but do not let the tip of the dropper touch the eye, eyelids or lashesapply one drop into the pouchclose the eyes (do not rub them) and try not to blink for a short timeapply gentle pressure for a few minutes with a finger to the bridge of the nose to prevent the medicine being drained from the eyeblot excess solution around the eye with a tissue