What is Bacterial Conjunctivitis?
Bacterial conjunctivitis — commonly known as pink eye or an eye infection — is one of the most common eye conditions treated in UK pharmacies. It occurs when bacteria infect the thin transparent layer covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid.
Unlike viral conjunctivitis, which typically clears on its own, bacterial conjunctivitis usually requires antibiotic treatment to resolve promptly and prevent spread to the other eye or to close contacts.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, chloramphenicol eye drops may be appropriate for you.
- Yellow or green discharge
- Sticky or crusty eyelids on waking
- Red or pink whites of the eye
- Gritty or uncomfortable feeling
- Watering or mild swelling
- One or both eyes affected
Do not use this product and contact a GP or optician urgently if you experience: sudden vision changes or loss, severe eye pain, sensitivity to light (photophobia), or if you have had a recent eye injury.
If symptoms do not improve within 48 hours of starting treatment, consult your pharmacist or GP.
Chloramphenicol 0.5% Eye Drops
Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of the bacteria causing the infection. It is widely considered the first-line treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis in the UK and is recommended in NHS guidance for most healthy adults and children over two years of age.
As a Pharmacy (P) medicine, chloramphenicol eye drops can be supplied without a prescription — but only by or under the supervision of a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Our online consultation process fulfils this requirement, allowing you to purchase safely and conveniently.
Contact lenses must not be worn during treatment with chloramphenicol eye drops. Remove lenses before applying drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting. If you wear contact lenses, please mention this in your consultation form.
Why Do I Need a Pharmacist Consultation?
Under UK law, Pharmacy (P) medicines must be sold under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. This requirement exists to ensure the product is appropriate for you — checking for contraindications, interactions with other medicines, and making sure your symptoms match what the product is designed to treat.
Bury Healthcare Online is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC No. 1126145). In line with GPhC 2025 guidance for distance selling pharmacies, we conduct a brief health questionnaire reviewed personally by our pharmacist before every P medicine order is dispatched. This process typically takes less than 2 hours during pharmacy hours.
The consultation is completely free and takes around 3–5 minutes to complete. Your information is stored securely and reviewed only by our pharmacist.
Eye Treatment Pharmacy Consultation
Reviewed personally by our GPhC-registered pharmacist