Chloramphenicol

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. It is used to treat certain types of serious infections caused by bacteria when other antibiotics cannot be used. It works by killing the bacteria that cause these problems. However, it will not treat a viral infection. Chloramphenicol may be effective even when bacteria have developed resistance to other antibiotics. It should be taken on an empty stomach. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. The dose will depend on what you are being treated for, but you should always complete a full course of this antibiotic as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it until you have finished, even when you feel better. If you stop taking it early, some bacteria may survive and the infection may come back. Some people may develop side effects like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, taste change. These side effects are usually temporary and go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away. Before starting treatment with this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems or if you are allergic to any antibiotic. While using it, your doctor may advise some blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using it. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as it may cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, and palpitations.

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic which stops the growth of bacteria. It does so by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. This does not directly kill the bacteria, but prevents them from increasing in numbers, and eventually clears up the infection.

• Serious bacterial infections
• Typhoid fever
• Meningitis
• Haemophilus influenzae infections

Chloramphenicol inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 50s subunit of the bacterial ribosome, thus preventing peptide bond formation by peptidyl transferase. It has both bacteriostatic and bactericidal action against H. influenzae, N. meningitidis and S. pneumoniae.

Chloramphenicol inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 50s subunit of the bacterial ribosome, thus preventing peptide bond formation by peptidyl transferase.

Adult Dose (Oral): 50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses, may increase to 100 mg/kg/day in more severe infections.

Pediatric Dose (Oral):

• Premature and full-term neonates: 25 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses
• Full-term infants >2 weeks: 50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses
• Children: 50-75 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses; 75-100 mg/kg/day for meningitis or severe infections

Hepatic Impairment: Dose reduction may be required.

Renal Impairment: Dose reduction may be required.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not chew, crush or break it. Chloramphenicol is to be taken on an empty stomach.

If you miss a dose of Chloramphenicol, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Taste change

Serious Side Effects: Bone marrow depression (irreversible aplastic anemia), gray baby syndrome (neonates), blood dyscrasias.

• [UNSAFE] Chloramphenicol may cause blurring of your vision for a short time just after its use. Do not drive until your vision is clear.
• Your doctor has prescribed Chloramphenicol to cure your infection and improve your symptoms. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
• Your doctor may get blood tests done to check your blood cells before starting treatment and regularly thereafter.
• Do not use Chloramphenicol if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
• Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
• Avoid consuming alcohol as it may cause a Disulfiram-like reaction.

• History of hypersensitivity or toxic reaction to the drug
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Porphyria
• Parenteral administration for minor infections or as prophylaxis
• Preexisting bone marrow depression or blood dyscrasias

Decreased effects of iron and vitamin B12 in anemic patients. Phenobarbitone and rifampin reduce efficacy of chloramphenicol. Impairs the action of oral contraceptives. Increases the effect of oral anticoagulants, oral hypoglycemic agents, phenytoin. Avoid concomitant administration with drugs that depress bone marrow function.

[UNSAFE] Consuming alcohol while taking Chloramphenicol may cause symptoms such as flushing, increased heart beat, nausea, thirst, chest pain and low blood pressure (Disulfiram reaction).

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Chloramphenicol may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Chloramphenicol is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Pediatric dose: Premature and full-term neonates: 25 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses; Full-term infants >2 weeks: 50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses; Children: 50-75 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses; 75-100 mg/kg/day for meningitis or severe infections. Neonates are at risk of gray baby syndrome.

Limited information is available regarding dose adjustment for elderly patients.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Chloramphenicol is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Chloramphenicol may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Chloramphenicol in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Chloramphenicol overdose may cause bone marrow depression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be given.

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Chloramphenicol