Local Allergic Reaction to Ocular Chloramphenicol Ointment: A Diagnosis by High Index of Clinical Suspicion

Ratnesh Ranjan* and Shikha Ranjan

Chloramphenicol is a widely used topical ointment applied routinely for ocular and periorbital infections due to its wide spectrum of anti-bacterial activity. Local delayed hypersensitivity reaction to chloramphenicol is a well reported but uncommon adverse effect, and has been reported to be mismanaged initially as an infective cellulitis [1]. Hereby, we are reporting a case of local hypersensitivity reaction to chloramphenicol after ocular use for adenexal infection, which was diagnosed with high index of suspicion without any clinical test, and was managed timely and successfully.

Case History

A 38-year-old man presented to out-patient department with painless swelling around both eyes of 24 hours duration. Onset of swelling was sudden, and started around 48 hours after application of chloramphenicol ointment for stye. There was no history of fever and any drug allergy. Patient also gave the history of recurrent stye in both eyes and the chloramphenicol ointment was prescribed for the same

by a general physician in a government hospital about two months back. Patient used the same ointment pack, which was opened about two months back.

Keywords: Chloramphenicol; Hypersensitivity; Periorbital infection

Published on: Sep 15, 2014 Pages: 1-2

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-1414.000006
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