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

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.