Chlortetracycline eye ointment

Chlortetracycline eye ointment is used to treat superficial bacteria eye infection. 

It may als be prescribed to treat bacterial infection on open wounds on the skin.

Administering into the eyes

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry your hands before applying the eye ointment.
2. Remove the cap of the sub and place it on a clean piece of tissue paper. Hold the tube as if you are holding a pen.
3. Tilt your head slightly backwards and look up. Using the index finger of your free hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket.
4. With a sweeping motion, squeeze the tube to apply about 0.5 to 1 cm of the ointment inside the pocket of your lower eyelid. Ensure that the tip of the tube does not touch your eye, eyelid or eyelashes to avoid contamination.
5. Blink your eyes gently a few times to spread the ointment inside the eye. Keep your eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe away excess eye ointment from your eyelid and eyelashes with a clean piece of tissue paper.
6. Recap the ointment and store it in a cool area or as instructed on the label.

• If you need to apply both an eye drop and ointment, you should apply the eye drop first. Wait for at least 5 minutes before applying the eye ointment.
• If you need to apply more than one eye ointment, wait for at least 10 minutes before applying the next eye ointment.
• Applying eye ointments may cause vision to become blurry for a short period of time. You should avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing things in places with poor lighting until your vision clears.
• DO NOT wear contact lenses during your medication treatment and until the infection has cleared.
• Do not stop using your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Anti-infective eye preparations are prescribed for your current eye condition only. Do not reuse or exceed the prescribed duration of treatment.

Administering on open wounds

• Apply as a thin layer after cleaning and drying the affected area.
• If the solution comes into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth or ears, rinse well with water.
• You should complete each course of antibiotics even if you feel better as incomplete treatment might cause the infection to return or cause antibiotic resistance. When antibiotic resistance happens, the antibiotic will not be able to control the growth or kill the bacteria anymore.

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

• Stinging or burning sensation
• Redness
• Eye irritation

These symptoms are usually mild and will subside after sometime. Check with your healthcare professional if these conditions are severe or do not improve.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes around your eyes or over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.