Nicol 0.5% Eye Drop

Nicol 0.5% Eye Drop contains Chloramphenicol 0.5% w/v and is presented as eye drops. It is supplied in a pack size of 5ml.

It is classified as a non-prescription medicine, so no prescription is needed to order it. Under Malaysian rules for medicine information, this page carries product, safety and handling information only.

You can consult a doctor or pharmacist online on DoctorOnCall about this product before or after you order. Every order is checked by a registered pharmacist before it is delivered. Always read the label and the leaflet supplied with the pack.

Wash your hands before use. Tilt your head back or lie down, gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and instil one drop into the affected eye without letting the dropper tip touch the eye, fingers, or any other surface. Close the eye gently for a minute or two to let the drop spread across the surface, then wipe away any excess with a clean tissue. Use the drops as directed on the label or by your pharmacist, and continue for the full recommended course even if your symptoms improve after a few days.

The usual dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours for the first 24 to 48 hours, then reducing to four times a day as the infection improves, typically continuing for a total of 5 days unless otherwise advised. If there is no improvement within 48 hours, or if symptoms worsen, stop use and consult a pharmacist or doctor. Use in infants and young children should only be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Use Nicol Eye Drop before the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer carton. Once the bottle has been opened, the contents should be discarded after 4 weeks even if some solution remains, as sterility can no longer be guaranteed beyond this point.

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and out of the sight and reach of children.

• Transient stinging or burning sensation immediately after application
• Temporary mild blurring of vision right after instillation
• Eye redness, itching, or irritation
• Watery eyes or mild eyelid swelling
• Rarely, an allergic reaction with rash, swelling, or worsening redness
• Very rarely, blood disorders have been reported with prolonged or repeated excessive use of chloramphenicol

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to chloramphenicol or any ingredient in the formulation
• Personal or family history of blood disorders such as aplastic anaemia (use with caution and medical advice)
• Should not be used to self-treat suspected viral or allergic conjunctivitis, as it will not work and may delay proper treatment
• Not recommended for prolonged, repeated, or long-term courses without medical supervision
• Caution in infants and neonates; use only under professional guidance

• Minimal systemic absorption is expected with normal eye-drop use, so significant drug interactions are uncommon
• If using more than one type of eye drop, space each product at least 5 to 10 minutes apart to avoid diluting or washing out the previous dose
• Inform your pharmacist of any other eye medications, ointments, or contact lens solutions you are using
• No specific food or beverage restrictions are associated with this eye drop

• Wash your hands before and after applying the drops
• Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye, fingers, or any surface to avoid contaminating the bottle
• Remove contact lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them
• Complete the full course even if your eye feels better after a couple of days
• Seek medical review if there is no improvement within 48 hours or if pain, vision changes, or light sensitivity develop
• Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening, and write the opening date on the label as a reminder

Bacterial conjunctivitis is only one cause of red, irritated eyes; viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis look similar but do not improve with antibiotic drops like Nicol. Signs that suggest you should see a doctor rather than continue self-treatment include severe eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision that does not clear after blinking, or symptoms that do not improve within 2 to 3 days of starting treatment. To reduce the spread of bacterial conjunctivitis, avoid sharing towels, pillows, or eye cosmetics, and wash your hands frequently while the infection is active.