What is Ocupol 5 gm

Ocupol 5 gm is a topical ophthalmic antibiotic ointment designed to treat bacterial eye infections, including Conjunctivitis, corneal infections, and other ocular bacterial infections affecting the eye and surrounding structures. Centaur Pharmaceuticals, India, manufactures the ointment in GMP-compliant facilities.

This medicine contains a combination of FDA-approved topical ingredients: Polymyxin B (10000 IU/gm) and Chloramphenicol (10 mg/gm). They provide broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage against bacteria commonly responsible for eye infections.

This ophthalmic antibiotic therapy works through dual mechanisms of action. Polymyxin B disrupts bacterial cell membranes, particularly effective against gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas and E. coli, while Chloramphenicol inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, providing coverage against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

This combination ensures comprehensive treatment of bacterial eye infections, reducing eye discharge, redness, swelling, and discomfort. The typical application involves placing a small amount (approximately half-inch ribbon) of ointment in the affected eye 3-4 times daily or as prescribed by your ophthalmologist.

Treatment duration usually ranges from 5 to 7 days, though severe infections may require longer therapy. Common Ocupol side effects include temporary blurred vision after application, mild eye irritation, stinging, and a burning sensation, which typically resolve within minutes.

Before using Ocupol, inform your doctor about any allergies to antibiotics, particularly Chloramphenicol or Polymyxin. Patients with a history of blood disorders should use Chloramphenicol-containing products with caution due to rare but serious bone marrow suppression risks. Prolonged use might lead to fungal or resistant bacterial infections.

Store Ocupol 5 gm ointment in a dry, cool place away from sunlight below 25°C. Keep the tube tightly closed, and store it out of reach of children. Do not use it after the expiry date or more than 4 weeks after opening.

What are the benefits of using Ocupol 5 gm

Ocupol 5 gm provides important therapeutic benefits for patients suffering from bacterial eye infections requiring effective ophthalmic antibiotic therapy:

• Broad-spectrum bacterial coverage: Ocupol 5 gm combines two powerful antibiotics to treat a wide range of bacterial eye infections, effectively targeting both gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, and gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas, ensuring comprehensive infection control.
• Conjunctivitis treatment: The ointment effectively treats Bacterial Conjunctivitis (pink eye) by eliminating causative bacteria, reducing symptoms such as redness, itching, eye discharge, and crusting, allowing faster recovery and preventing spread to others.
• Corneal infection management: Ocupol provides essential treatment for bacterial corneal infections and ulcers, protecting vision by rapidly controlling infection, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing of the corneal surface to prevent serious complications.

How to use Ocupol 5 gm

Ocupol is a prescription ophthalmic antibiotic ointment that should be used as per a healthcare professional's instructions. Here are the general guidelines for using this medication:

• Apply a small amount (approximately half-inch ribbon) of Ocupol ointment to the affected eye 3-4 times daily or as prescribed.
• Wash your hands thoroughly, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to create a pocket, and apply the ointment without touching the tube tip to your eye.
• Close your eye gently and roll your eyeball to spread the ointment evenly across the eye surface.
• Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve to prevent antibiotic resistance and infection recurrence. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage.

Strengths and Substitutes

Ocupol is available in the following formulations for comprehensive bacterial eye infection treatment:

View all substitutes

What are the side effects of Ocupol 5 gm

Like any medication, Ocupol may cause some side effects. Most of them are mild and resolve as treatment continues. However, consult a healthcare professional if they persist or worsen:

• Temporary blurred vision
• Eye irritation or burning
• Stinging sensation
• Redness or itching
• Excessive tearing
• Eye discomfort

Safety Advice

Liver Disease

Patients with liver disease should use Ocupol with caution, particularly due to the Chloramphenicol component. While topical ophthalmic application results in minimal systemic absorption, patients with severe impairment should inform their ophthalmologist. Monitor for any unusual symptoms during treatment, and report concerns immediately to your healthcare provider.

Kidney Impairment

Ocupol 5 gm can generally be used safely in patients with kidney impairment, as topical ophthalmic antibiotic therapy has minimal systemic absorption. However, inform the doctor about any kidney problems. Patients with severe dysfunction using the medication for extended periods should receive appropriate monitoring.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding women

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use Ocupol ointment only when clearly necessary and under medical supervision. Topical application generally results in minimal systemic absorption. Discuss the benefits and risks with an ophthalmologist, who may consider alternative antibiotics if appropriate.

Avoid

Avoid wearing contact lenses during active bacterial eye infection treatment, as lenses can harbor bacteria and delay healing. Do not touch the ointment tube tip to any surface to prevent contamination. Patients with known hypersensitivity to Chloramphenicol, Polymyxin, or other antibiotics should not use this medication. Avoid prolonged use beyond the prescribed duration, as this may lead to fungal infections or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Do not share eye ointment with others, even if they have similar symptoms.