Safety Alert: Boron additives in Chloramphenicol drops; should ophthalmologists be concerned?

At the present time, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists believes that the benefits of chloramphenicol eyedrops in paediatric ophthalmic practice for appropriate indications and with courses of appropriate duration outweigh the possible risks posed by boron ingestion.

SPS commentary:

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists notes that chloramphenicol has been an effective and well-tolerated antibiotic in ophthalmological practice for nearly 70 years. Whilst a theoretical risk to future fertility from boron-containing excipients in chloramphenicol eyedrops should not be dismissed lightly, a decision to stop using them in children also carries risks for the reasons stated in this alert. It is seeking to work with the MHRA and the DHSC Medicine Supply Team on this issue to ensure the advice given by all national bodies and suppliers is proportionate and supports clinical requirements.

Royal College of Ophthalmologists