NHS Logo
Bedfordshire and Luton Joint Formulary
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB
Formulary Chapter: 11 - Eye 
Notes:

Any drug not listed on the Formulary should be considered Non-Formulary - Not recommended for prescribing
11.03.01 Antibacterials

Azithromycin (Azyter®)
(Eye drops)

RED
Restricted Drug Restricted

For use by Specialists only

BNF BNFc SPC

Cefuroxime
(Eye drops, preservative-free)

RED
Restricted Drug Restricted

unlicensedunlicensed. 5% eye drops, preservative-free.

14 day expiry once defrosted (takes about 30 mins).

BNF BNFc SPC

Chloramphenicol
(Eye drops / ointment)

 
Restricted Drug Restricted
  • Eye drops 0.5% 
  • Eye ointment 1%

Notes:

  • Chloramphenicol is the drug of choice for superficial eye infections. It has a broad spectrum of activity and is associated with a low level of resistance.
  • Self Care Should not be routinely prescribed in Primary Care. Advise patient to purchase
    • Available to purchase over the counter for patients over 2 years of age
  • Most bacterial infections are self-limiting. Mild cases should not need treating.
  • May be prescribed if appropriate to in-patients. 

Entry reviewed: April 2025

BNF BNFc SPC
MHRA DSU July 2021: Chloramphenicol eye drops containing borax or boric acid buffers: use in children younger than 2 years

Chlorhexidine
(Eye drops)

Amber SPA
Restricted Drug Restricted
unlicensedunlicensed 0.02% Eye Drops
BNF BNFc SPC

Ciprofloxacin
(Eye drops)

GREEN
Formulary
0.3% Ophthalmic solution
BNF BNFc SPC

Fusidic Acid
(Eye drops)

GREEN
Restricted Drug Restricted
1% Viscous Eye Drops

Restricted to use where chloramphenicol unsuitable.
N.B cost increased to around £35 per tube(used to be about £2)
BNF BNFc SPC

Gentamicin
(Eye Drops)

Amber SPA
Formulary

0.3% Eye /ear Drops

BNF BNFc SPC

Gentamicin single use 0.5% (Minims® Gentamicin Sulphate)

Amber SPA
Restricted Drug Restricted
To be used for patients allergic to preservatives where drops needed.
BNF BNFc SPC

Levofloxacin
(Eye drops)

Amber SPA
Formulary
0.5% Eye drops
0.5% Preservative-free single dose eye drops (Minims)- only for patients allergic to preservative.
BNF BNFc SPC

Moxifloxacin 0.5% (Moxivig)
(Eye drops)

Amber SPA
Formulary

Prescribing by Ophthalmologists for bacterial keratitis.

N.B. These drops do not contain benzylkonium chloride (described as self-preserved).

BNF BNFc SPC

Ofloxacin
(Eye drops)

Amber SPA
Formulary

0.3% Eye Drops

BNF BNFc SPC

Polihexanide

RED
Restricted Drug Restricted

For acanthamoeba keratitis

BNF BNFc SPC

Povidone iodine 5%
(Minims)

RED
Formulary

Minims are to be used as first line

In the event of a shortage please use Povidone Iodine 5% preservative free drops (4ml Single-Use only one bottle per patient)

BNF BNFc SPC

Propamidine Isetionate (Brolene®)
(Eye drops)

RED
Restricted Drug Restricted

For acanthamoeba keratitis

BNF BNFc SPC

Hexamidine 0.1%
(Eye drops)

RED
Restricted Drug Restricted

Unlicensed 

For acanthamoeba keratitis where Propamidine Isetionate (Brolene) is unavailable.

BNF BNFc SPC
Non formulary items

Ceftazidime eye drops

 
Non Formulary
BNF BNFc SPC

Dexamethasone/netilmicin eye drops (Netildex®)

 
Non Formulary

New product august 2022 - no formal assessment

BNF BNFc SPC

Erythromycin

 
Non Formulary
BNF BNFc SPC

Eye lid wipes

 
Non Formulary

Self care advice:

Blepharitis - Moorfields Eye Hospital

BNF BNFc SPC

Neomycin Eye drops

 
Non Formulary
BNF BNFc SPC

Netilmicin 3mg/ml eye drops (Nettacin®)

 
Non Formulary

New product August 2022 - no formal assessment

BNF BNFc SPC

Penicillin G

 
Non Formulary
BNF BNFc SPC

Polymyxin B Sulphate eye ointment (Polyfax®)

 
Non Formulary
BNF BNFc SPC

Vancomycin

 
Non Formulary
BNF BNFc SPC
Classifications
GREEN
May be initiated in any care setting
Amber SPA
Specialist to advise therapy and provide first 28 days supply, continuation in Primary Care
Amber SPIS
Specialist to initiate and stabilise medicine prior to continuation in Primary Care
SCG
To be prescribed as per Shared Care Guidance. If no SCG in place status reverts to red.
RED
Red medicines are designated as specialist only medicines which should only be prescribed by a specialist, usually within secondary care (either due to the requirement for specialist knowledge, long-term monitoring requirements, or restrictions that mean medicine supplies are only available to hospitals).
DNP
A decision has been made either locally and/or nationally not to routinely commission this preparation. Do not prescribe.
SELF
To be purchased over the counter. May be prescribed for chronic, long term conditions or on admission to hospital if essential.