Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% w/w – 10ml
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What Are Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% Used For?
Bacterial conjunctivitis — commonly known as a bacterial eye infection — is one of the most frequently occurring acute eye conditions seen in community pharmacies across the UK. It causes redness, a sticky yellow or green discharge, crusting of the eyelashes (particularly on waking), and discomfort in one or both eyes, and spreads very easily through direct and indirect contact. Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% contain chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic with well-established effectiveness against the bacteria most commonly responsible for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. They provide a reliable, pharmacist-supervised treatment course designed to clear the infection within five days and restore comfort to the eyes.
The active ingredient is chloramphenicol at a concentration of 0.5% w/w. Chloramphenicol is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, binding to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes and preventing the elongation of peptide chains. This disrupts the ability of bacteria to produce the proteins they need for survival and reproduction, effectively stopping the infection from progressing and allowing the body's immune response to clear the remaining bacteria. Chloramphenicol has a broad spectrum of activity that covers the gram-positive and gram-negative organisms most commonly implicated in bacterial conjunctivitis, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
It is important to understand what these drops will and will not treat. Almus Infected Eye Drops are indicated specifically for bacterial conjunctivitis — they will not be effective against viral conjunctivitis (such as that caused by adenovirus, which is very common and often follows a cold) or against allergic conjunctivitis. These conditions are visually similar but require different management. A pharmacist can help to assess whether your eye symptoms are likely to be bacterial in origin and therefore appropriate for antibiotic treatment, or whether another cause is more likely. This is one of the reasons these drops are a Pharmacy (P) medicine — assessment by a pharmacist before purchase is important to ensure the right treatment is selected.
A unique and important feature of chloramphenicol eye drops is their storage requirement: the drops must be stored in the refrigerator (2 to 8°C) before opening. Once opened, they can be stored below 25°C but must be discarded 28 days after opening regardless of remaining content. Contact lenses must not be worn during the treatment course. For professional advice on eye infection management, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist. If your symptoms are severe, affect vision, do not improve after two days of treatment, or involve only one eye with pain and photophobia, seek prompt assessment from your GP or optometrist.
How to Use Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5%
- Wash your hands thoroughly. Before touching the bottle or your eye area, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel. Good hand hygiene is particularly important during an eye infection to prevent spreading bacteria to the other eye, to other people, or to surfaces.
- Remove contact lenses if worn. Do not wear contact lenses during the treatment course. Remove them before starting treatment and do not reinsert until the full course is complete and symptoms have resolved.
- Prepare the bottle. Remove the cap. Check the nozzle tip is clean before use. For chilled drops (stored in the refrigerator), allow the bottle to come to room temperature or warm it in the palm of your hand for a minute or two before instilling — cold drops can cause temporary dizziness.
- Tilt your head back. Tilt your head gently backwards, look upwards, and pull the lower eyelid down with a clean finger to create a small pocket.
- Instil one drop. Hold the bottle above the eye with the nozzle pointing downwards and gently squeeze to release a single drop into the lower eyelid pocket. Avoid the nozzle touching the eye, eyelashes, or eyelids to prevent contamination of the bottle.
- Close your eye gently. Close your eye and apply gentle pressure to the inner corner with a clean fingertip for one minute. This nasolacrimal occlusion reduces drainage of the drop through the tear duct and maximises contact time of the antibiotic with the ocular surface.
- Treat the other eye if both are affected. Use a fresh drop for the second eye. Do not use the same drop for both eyes from the same application — squeeze a fresh drop for each eye. Wash your hands again between eyes if you are treating both.
- Replace the cap immediately. Replace the cap firmly after every use to prevent contamination.
Tips for best results
- Clean any discharge or crusting from the eyelid margins with a clean, damp cotton pad before instilling the drops — this removes the bacterial load from the outer surface and improves the drop's access to the conjunctival surface.
- Use a clean cotton pad for each eye to avoid cross-contaminating both eyes.
- Set a reminder to ensure you take the drops at the correct frequency — every 2 hours in the first 48 hours requires consistent dosing throughout the waking day.
- If drops were stored in the refrigerator, warm to room temperature before instilling.
Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% Side Effects
Chloramphenicol eye drops are generally well tolerated at the topical ophthalmic concentration. The following side effects are based on the known profile of chloramphenicol used topically in the eye.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- A brief, transient stinging or burning sensation immediately after instilling the drops — usually lasting only a few seconds
- Temporary blurring of vision immediately after instillation, clearing with blinking
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Mild, temporary eye irritation, redness, or watering following instillation
- A sensation of something in the eye after instillation
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Allergic reaction to chloramphenicol or another ingredient, presenting as increased redness, itching, significant swelling of the eyelids, or persistent irritation that worsens rather than improves during treatment
- Bone marrow disorders, including aplastic anaemia: the risk from topical ophthalmic use is extremely low but has been reported in rare cases; a personal or family history of such conditions is a contraindication to use
Stop using and seek medical help if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening eye pain, redness, or swelling rather than improvement during the treatment course
- Any reduction in vision that does not resolve — seek same-day optometrist or GP assessment
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction including facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash — call 999 immediately
- Any unusual symptom you believe may be related to this product, including unexplained fatigue, bruising, or tendency to bleed — seek medical assessment, as these could theoretically indicate a haematological effect
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5%
- Before opening: Store in a refrigerator at 2–8°C. Do not freeze. This is essential for maintaining the stability of the chloramphenicol before the bottle is first opened.
- After opening: Store below 25°C — refrigeration is no longer required once the bottle has been opened.
- After opening — discard date: Discard 28 days after first opening, regardless of how much product remains. Write the opening date on the bottle label immediately.
- Cap: Always replace the cap firmly after every use to prevent contamination.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer packaging.
- Disposal: Return unused drops to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste.
Who Are Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% Suitable For?
Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% are a Pharmacy (P) medicine suitable for adults and children aged 2 and over who have been assessed by a pharmacist as having acute bacterial conjunctivitis appropriate for over-the-counter antibiotic treatment.
Suitable for:
- Adults and children aged 2 and over with symptoms of acute bacterial conjunctivitis — redness, sticky or purulent discharge, crusting of eyelids, and gritty or uncomfortable eyes
- Those assessed by a pharmacist as having bacterial (rather than viral or allergic) conjunctivitis
- People whose symptoms affect one or both eyes without significant pain, photophobia, or visual disturbance
Not suitable for — do not use if you:
- Have a known hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol or any ingredient in the formulation
- Have a personal or family history of blood dyscrasias — particularly aplastic anaemia — which is a very rare but serious condition associated with systemic chloramphenicol use; the risk from topical use is extremely low but a history of this condition is a contraindication
- Are a neonate (newborn) — neonatal eye infections require medical assessment
- Have viral conjunctivitis (e.g. following a recent cold or respiratory infection) — antibiotics will not be effective
- Have allergic conjunctivitis — antibiotics are not appropriate
- Have a severe or penetrating eye injury
- Wear contact lenses — lenses must not be worn during the treatment course
Seek pharmacist or medical advice before or during use if you:
- Are pregnant, particularly in the first trimester — chloramphenicol is not recommended during pregnancy
- Are breastfeeding
- Experience significant eye pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light), or blurring of vision — these require urgent medical or optometrist assessment
- Are treating a child — ensure the child is assessed as suitable before starting treatment
- Symptoms do not begin to improve within 48 hours of starting treatment
This product must be purchased under pharmacist supervision. Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists will assess suitability before every sale.
Active Ingredients in Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5%
| Ingredient | Strength | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Chloramphenicol | 0.5% w/w | A broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide chain elongation. It is effective against the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria most commonly responsible for acute bacterial conjunctivitis, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. At the 0.5% topical ophthalmic concentration, it achieves therapeutic levels at the ocular surface with negligible systemic absorption in healthy adults. The drops must be used for the full five-day course to ensure complete eradication of the infection and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. |
Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% Dosage — How Much to Use
Adults and children aged 2 and over
- Days 1 and 2 (first 48 hours): 1 drop in the affected eye or eyes every 2 hours while awake.
- Days 3 to 5: 1 drop in the affected eye or eyes every 4 hours while awake.
- Total treatment course: 5 days. Do not use beyond 5 days without medical advice.
Children under 2 years
Not recommended without prior medical advice. Eye infections in young children and infants require medical assessment.
Critical — complete the course
It is important to complete the full 5-day treatment course even if symptoms appear to improve or resolve before the course ends. Stopping antibiotic treatment early may allow residual bacteria to survive and the infection to return, potentially with reduced sensitivity to chloramphenicol. If symptoms have not started to improve within 48 hours, stop using the drops and seek pharmacist or GP advice.
Contact lenses during treatment
Do not wear contact lenses of any type during the treatment course. Lenses can become contaminated during an eye infection and may reintroduce bacteria after treatment. Only resume contact lens wear once the full course is complete and symptoms have resolved, and only after thoroughly cleaning or replacing your lenses and lens case.
Precautions When Using Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5%
Before use
- This product must be purchased under pharmacist supervision — confirm suitability with a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use.
- Check the expiry date on the bottle and outer packaging.
- Confirm no hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol.
- Confirm no personal or family history of aplastic anaemia or blood dyscrasias.
- Remove contact lenses and do not wear them during treatment.
- Do not use if pregnant without medical advice.
- Ensure the presentation is consistent with bacterial conjunctivitis — seek pharmacist assessment if uncertain.
During use
- Always wash hands before and after each application.
- Never allow the nozzle to touch the eye, eyelids, eyelashes, or any surface.
- Do not share the bottle with another person — conjunctivitis is highly contagious.
- Use a separate bottle for each affected person.
- Apply gentle nasolacrimal occlusion after each drop to maximise ocular contact time.
- Complete the full 5-day course even if symptoms improve.
Infection control during treatment
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently during an eye infection episode.
- Avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily and avoid rubbing them.
- Use clean towels and facecloths — do not share these with household members.
- Avoid swimming pools during treatment.
After opening
- Write the date of opening on the bottle label.
- Discard 28 days after opening regardless of remaining contents.
- Store below 25°C after opening — refrigeration is no longer required once opened.
When to seek urgent medical advice
- Eye pain, significant photophobia, or any reduction in vision — seek same-day assessment.
- Symptoms are not beginning to improve after 48 hours of treatment — stop and seek advice.
- The eye becomes significantly more red, swollen, or starts producing a profuse discharge.
- You develop a fever alongside eye symptoms.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free consultations and can refer you for GP or optometrist assessment if needed.
Full Ingredients in Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5%
The active ingredient is chloramphenicol 0.5% w/w.
Excipients (inactive ingredients)
- Boric acid — a mild antiseptic that also acts as a buffering agent to help maintain the correct pH of the formulation, ensuring the drops are comfortable and compatible with the ocular surface on instillation
- Sodium tetraborate (borax) — works alongside boric acid as part of the borate buffer system to maintain pH stability and support formulation compatibility with the eye
- Purified water — the sterile aqueous base of the formulation
If you have a known sensitivity to any ingredient, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
What Are Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% Used For?
Bacterial conjunctivitis — commonly known as a bacterial eye infection — is one of the most frequently occurring acute eye conditions seen in community pharmacies across the UK. It causes redness, a sticky yellow or green discharge, crusting of the eyelashes (particularly on waking), and discomfort in one or both eyes, and spreads very easily through direct and indirect contact. Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% contain chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic with well-established effectiveness against the bacteria most commonly responsible for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. They provide a reliable, pharmacist-supervised treatment course designed to clear the infection within five days and restore comfort to the eyes.
The active ingredient is chloramphenicol at a concentration of 0.5% w/w. Chloramphenicol is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, binding to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes and preventing the elongation of peptide chains. This disrupts the ability of bacteria to produce the proteins they need for survival and reproduction, effectively stopping the infection from progressing and allowing the body's immune response to clear the remaining bacteria. Chloramphenicol has a broad spectrum of activity that covers the gram-positive and gram-negative organisms most commonly implicated in bacterial conjunctivitis, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
It is important to understand what these drops will and will not treat. Almus Infected Eye Drops are indicated specifically for bacterial conjunctivitis — they will not be effective against viral conjunctivitis (such as that caused by adenovirus, which is very common and often follows a cold) or against allergic conjunctivitis. These conditions are visually similar but require different management. A pharmacist can help to assess whether your eye symptoms are likely to be bacterial in origin and therefore appropriate for antibiotic treatment, or whether another cause is more likely. This is one of the reasons these drops are a Pharmacy (P) medicine — assessment by a pharmacist before purchase is important to ensure the right treatment is selected.
A unique and important feature of chloramphenicol eye drops is their storage requirement: the drops must be stored in the refrigerator (2 to 8°C) before opening. Once opened, they can be stored below 25°C but must be discarded 28 days after opening regardless of remaining content. Contact lenses must not be worn during the treatment course. For professional advice on eye infection management, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist. If your symptoms are severe, affect vision, do not improve after two days of treatment, or involve only one eye with pain and photophobia, seek prompt assessment from your GP or optometrist.
How to Use Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5%
- Wash your hands thoroughly. Before touching the bottle or your eye area, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel. Good hand hygiene is particularly important during an eye infection to prevent spreading bacteria to the other eye, to other people, or to surfaces.
- Remove contact lenses if worn. Do not wear contact lenses during the treatment course. Remove them before starting treatment and do not reinsert until the full course is complete and symptoms have resolved.
- Prepare the bottle. Remove the cap. Check the nozzle tip is clean before use. For chilled drops (stored in the refrigerator), allow the bottle to come to room temperature or warm it in the palm of your hand for a minute or two before instilling — cold drops can cause temporary dizziness.
- Tilt your head back. Tilt your head gently backwards, look upwards, and pull the lower eyelid down with a clean finger to create a small pocket.
- Instil one drop. Hold the bottle above the eye with the nozzle pointing downwards and gently squeeze to release a single drop into the lower eyelid pocket. Avoid the nozzle touching the eye, eyelashes, or eyelids to prevent contamination of the bottle.
- Close your eye gently. Close your eye and apply gentle pressure to the inner corner with a clean fingertip for one minute. This nasolacrimal occlusion reduces drainage of the drop through the tear duct and maximises contact time of the antibiotic with the ocular surface.
- Treat the other eye if both are affected. Use a fresh drop for the second eye. Do not use the same drop for both eyes from the same application — squeeze a fresh drop for each eye. Wash your hands again between eyes if you are treating both.
- Replace the cap immediately. Replace the cap firmly after every use to prevent contamination.
Tips for best results
- Clean any discharge or crusting from the eyelid margins with a clean, damp cotton pad before instilling the drops — this removes the bacterial load from the outer surface and improves the drop's access to the conjunctival surface.
- Use a clean cotton pad for each eye to avoid cross-contaminating both eyes.
- Set a reminder to ensure you take the drops at the correct frequency — every 2 hours in the first 48 hours requires consistent dosing throughout the waking day.
- If drops were stored in the refrigerator, warm to room temperature before instilling.
Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% Side Effects
Chloramphenicol eye drops are generally well tolerated at the topical ophthalmic concentration. The following side effects are based on the known profile of chloramphenicol used topically in the eye.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- A brief, transient stinging or burning sensation immediately after instilling the drops — usually lasting only a few seconds
- Temporary blurring of vision immediately after instillation, clearing with blinking
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Mild, temporary eye irritation, redness, or watering following instillation
- A sensation of something in the eye after instillation
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Allergic reaction to chloramphenicol or another ingredient, presenting as increased redness, itching, significant swelling of the eyelids, or persistent irritation that worsens rather than improves during treatment
- Bone marrow disorders, including aplastic anaemia: the risk from topical ophthalmic use is extremely low but has been reported in rare cases; a personal or family history of such conditions is a contraindication to use
Stop using and seek medical help if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening eye pain, redness, or swelling rather than improvement during the treatment course
- Any reduction in vision that does not resolve — seek same-day optometrist or GP assessment
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction including facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash — call 999 immediately
- Any unusual symptom you believe may be related to this product, including unexplained fatigue, bruising, or tendency to bleed — seek medical assessment, as these could theoretically indicate a haematological effect
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5%
- Before opening: Store in a refrigerator at 2–8°C. Do not freeze. This is essential for maintaining the stability of the chloramphenicol before the bottle is first opened.
- After opening: Store below 25°C — refrigeration is no longer required once the bottle has been opened.
- After opening — discard date: Discard 28 days after first opening, regardless of how much product remains. Write the opening date on the bottle label immediately.
- Cap: Always replace the cap firmly after every use to prevent contamination.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer packaging.
- Disposal: Return unused drops to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste.
Who Are Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% Suitable For?
Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% are a Pharmacy (P) medicine suitable for adults and children aged 2 and over who have been assessed by a pharmacist as having acute bacterial conjunctivitis appropriate for over-the-counter antibiotic treatment.
Suitable for:
- Adults and children aged 2 and over with symptoms of acute bacterial conjunctivitis — redness, sticky or purulent discharge, crusting of eyelids, and gritty or uncomfortable eyes
- Those assessed by a pharmacist as having bacterial (rather than viral or allergic) conjunctivitis
- People whose symptoms affect one or both eyes without significant pain, photophobia, or visual disturbance
Not suitable for — do not use if you:
- Have a known hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol or any ingredient in the formulation
- Have a personal or family history of blood dyscrasias — particularly aplastic anaemia — which is a very rare but serious condition associated with systemic chloramphenicol use; the risk from topical use is extremely low but a history of this condition is a contraindication
- Are a neonate (newborn) — neonatal eye infections require medical assessment
- Have viral conjunctivitis (e.g. following a recent cold or respiratory infection) — antibiotics will not be effective
- Have allergic conjunctivitis — antibiotics are not appropriate
- Have a severe or penetrating eye injury
- Wear contact lenses — lenses must not be worn during the treatment course
Seek pharmacist or medical advice before or during use if you:
- Are pregnant, particularly in the first trimester — chloramphenicol is not recommended during pregnancy
- Are breastfeeding
- Experience significant eye pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light), or blurring of vision — these require urgent medical or optometrist assessment
- Are treating a child — ensure the child is assessed as suitable before starting treatment
- Symptoms do not begin to improve within 48 hours of starting treatment
This product must be purchased under pharmacist supervision. Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists will assess suitability before every sale.
Active Ingredients in Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5%
| Ingredient | Strength | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Chloramphenicol | 0.5% w/w | A broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide chain elongation. It is effective against the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria most commonly responsible for acute bacterial conjunctivitis, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. At the 0.5% topical ophthalmic concentration, it achieves therapeutic levels at the ocular surface with negligible systemic absorption in healthy adults. The drops must be used for the full five-day course to ensure complete eradication of the infection and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. |
Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5% Dosage — How Much to Use
Adults and children aged 2 and over
- Days 1 and 2 (first 48 hours): 1 drop in the affected eye or eyes every 2 hours while awake.
- Days 3 to 5: 1 drop in the affected eye or eyes every 4 hours while awake.
- Total treatment course: 5 days. Do not use beyond 5 days without medical advice.
Children under 2 years
Not recommended without prior medical advice. Eye infections in young children and infants require medical assessment.
Critical — complete the course
It is important to complete the full 5-day treatment course even if symptoms appear to improve or resolve before the course ends. Stopping antibiotic treatment early may allow residual bacteria to survive and the infection to return, potentially with reduced sensitivity to chloramphenicol. If symptoms have not started to improve within 48 hours, stop using the drops and seek pharmacist or GP advice.
Contact lenses during treatment
Do not wear contact lenses of any type during the treatment course. Lenses can become contaminated during an eye infection and may reintroduce bacteria after treatment. Only resume contact lens wear once the full course is complete and symptoms have resolved, and only after thoroughly cleaning or replacing your lenses and lens case.
Precautions When Using Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5%
Before use
- This product must be purchased under pharmacist supervision — confirm suitability with a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use.
- Check the expiry date on the bottle and outer packaging.
- Confirm no hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol.
- Confirm no personal or family history of aplastic anaemia or blood dyscrasias.
- Remove contact lenses and do not wear them during treatment.
- Do not use if pregnant without medical advice.
- Ensure the presentation is consistent with bacterial conjunctivitis — seek pharmacist assessment if uncertain.
During use
- Always wash hands before and after each application.
- Never allow the nozzle to touch the eye, eyelids, eyelashes, or any surface.
- Do not share the bottle with another person — conjunctivitis is highly contagious.
- Use a separate bottle for each affected person.
- Apply gentle nasolacrimal occlusion after each drop to maximise ocular contact time.
- Complete the full 5-day course even if symptoms improve.
Infection control during treatment
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently during an eye infection episode.
- Avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily and avoid rubbing them.
- Use clean towels and facecloths — do not share these with household members.
- Avoid swimming pools during treatment.
After opening
- Write the date of opening on the bottle label.
- Discard 28 days after opening regardless of remaining contents.
- Store below 25°C after opening — refrigeration is no longer required once opened.
When to seek urgent medical advice
- Eye pain, significant photophobia, or any reduction in vision — seek same-day assessment.
- Symptoms are not beginning to improve after 48 hours of treatment — stop and seek advice.
- The eye becomes significantly more red, swollen, or starts producing a profuse discharge.
- You develop a fever alongside eye symptoms.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free consultations and can refer you for GP or optometrist assessment if needed.
Full Ingredients in Almus Infected Eye Drops 0.5%
The active ingredient is chloramphenicol 0.5% w/w.
Excipients (inactive ingredients)
- Boric acid — a mild antiseptic that also acts as a buffering agent to help maintain the correct pH of the formulation, ensuring the drops are comfortable and compatible with the ocular surface on instillation
- Sodium tetraborate (borax) — works alongside boric acid as part of the borate buffer system to maintain pH stability and support formulation compatibility with the eye
- Purified water — the sterile aqueous base of the formulation
If you have a known sensitivity to any ingredient, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
FAQs
How do I know if my eye infection is bacterial and suitable for these drops?
Bacterial conjunctivitis typically presents with a sticky, yellow or green purulent discharge that causes the eyelids to crust together, particularly on waking. Both eyes may be affected, often starting in one and spreading to the other. Viral conjunctivitis tends to produce a more watery discharge and often follows a recent cold or sore throat. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually associated with itching, seasonal patterns, and other allergy symptoms such as hayfever. Because these conditions can look similar, it is important to have your symptoms assessed by a pharmacist before starting antibiotic treatment — antibiotics will not help viral or allergic conjunctivitis and using them unnecessarily contributes to antibiotic resistance. Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists can help confirm the most likely cause before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
Why do these drops need to be kept in the refrigerator?
Chloramphenicol is a relatively heat-sensitive antibiotic that degrades more quickly at room temperature, particularly in an aqueous solution. Refrigerating the drops before opening preserves their potency and shelf life until use. Once opened, the drops can be stored below 25°C at room temperature, but must be discarded 28 days after opening regardless of remaining volume. When instilling the drops, if they have been kept in the refrigerator, bring them to room temperature by warming the bottle in your palm for a minute before use — cold drops can cause temporary dizziness.
Why must I complete the full 5-day course even if my eye looks better?
Stopping antibiotic treatment early — even when symptoms appear to have resolved — risks leaving a residual population of bacteria that have not been fully eliminated. These surviving bacteria may be more resistant to the antibiotic and could cause a relapse of the infection that is harder to treat. Completing the full course ensures the infection is fully eradicated and reduces the contribution to antibiotic resistance. Think of the 5-day course as a commitment to proper infection clearance, not just symptom relief.
Can I wear contact lenses while using these drops?
No. You must not wear contact lenses of any type during the treatment course. Contact lenses in an infected eye can harbour the infecting bacteria, become contaminated by the antibiotic solution, and may reintroduce infection after the course is completed if the lenses and case are not replaced or thoroughly cleaned. Once your full 5-day course is finished and all symptoms have completely resolved, you may resume contact lens wear — but use fresh or thoroughly cleaned lenses and a new or sterilised lens case.
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Yes, bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious. The bacteria can spread easily through direct contact with infected eye secretions and indirectly via contaminated surfaces, towels, pillowcases, and hands. During treatment, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, use separate towels and facecloths from other household members, and avoid swimming pools. Children with bacterial conjunctivitis are often excluded from school or childcare until discharge has resolved — check the current guidance from your school or childcare provider.
What should I do if my symptoms have not improved after 48 hours of treatment?
If your eye symptoms have not begun to noticeably improve within 48 hours of starting treatment, stop using the drops and seek advice from your pharmacist, GP, or optometrist. A lack of response to chloramphenicol may indicate that the infection is caused by a resistant organism, by a virus rather than bacteria, or that the diagnosis is not bacterial conjunctivitis. Further assessment and potentially a different treatment will be needed in this situation.
Can pregnant women use chloramphenicol eye drops?
Chloramphenicol eye drops are not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, as a precaution. Although systemic absorption from topical ophthalmic use is very low, sufficient safety data in human pregnancy are not available. If you are pregnant and have symptoms of a bacterial eye infection, consult your GP or midwife for advice on the most appropriate and safe management option for your stage of pregnancy.