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Overview

Chloramphenicol

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Chloramphenicol

Chloramphenicol is a broad spectrum antibiotic used for treating a number of severe bacterial infections.This is also used as an eye ointment to treat conjunctivitis. It treats meningitis, cholera, plague and typhoid fever. Its use by mouth or by injection is only recommended when no other antibiotics work effectively. It works by interfering with the growth of the bacteria causing the infection.

This medicine is usually not recommended unless absolutely necessary due to its many side effects. It includes bone marrow suppression, diarrhoea and nausea. The bone marrow suppression may prove to be fatal. People with liver or kidney problems may need lower doses. In young children a condition known as grey baby syndrome may occur which results in them having a swollen stomach and low blood pressure. If you have anaemia, bone marrow problems, liver disease, or allergy from Chloramphenicol then inform your doctor before taking this medicine. Near the end of pregnancy and during breastfeeding, its use is typically not recommended. To reduce the risk of side effects treatment duration should be as short as possible.

Some medicines may interact with the action of Chloramphenicol. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any anticoagulants, hydantoins, sulfonylureas or medicines that may decrease your bone marrow.

It is recommended to monitor blood cell levels, once in every two days during treatment. If you miss a scheduled dose of this medicine or if you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The duration for which Chloramphenicol remains effective usually varies according to the intended use and dosing regimen.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Ophthalmologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Chloramphenicol

    • Bacterial Infections

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Ophthalmologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Chloramphenicol ?

    • Allergy

      This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to chloramphenicol or any other component present with it.

    • Minor Infections

      This medicine is not recommended for preventing or treating minor infections, especially the injectable forms.

    • Porphyria

      This medicine is not recommended for use in patients having this genetic disorder of the blood.

    • Bone Marrow Suppression

      This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with bone marrow suppression due to a disease or consumption of certain medicines.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Ophthalmologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Chloramphenicol ?

    • Burning Sensation

    • Stinging Sensation

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Ophthalmologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Chloramphenicol

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      No interaction found

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Chloramphenicol is safe to use during pregnancy.
      Adequate and well-controlled human studies have shown low or no risk.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Chloramphenicol is probably safe to use during lactation. \nLimited human data suggests that the drug does not represent a significant risk to the baby.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Chloramphenicol may cause blurring of your vision for a short time just after its use. Do not drive until your vision is clear.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      There is limited information available on the use of Chloramphenicol in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Ophthalmologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Contact your doctor immediately if you miss a scheduled dose of this medicine.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose with this medicine is suspected.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Ophthalmologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Chloramphenicol approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Ophthalmologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Chloramphenicol

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Chloramphenicol as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Ophthalmologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication falls under the category of an antibiotic which works by reversibly binding to the 50S subunit of the ribosome of the bacterial cell. This interferes with the activity of peptidyl transferase which in turn inhibits protein synthesis in the bacterial cells by blocking peptide bond formations.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Ophthalmologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Chloramphenicol ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Lab

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Warfarin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring of bleeding and clotting time while taking these medicines together.

        Ethinyl Estradiol

        Use of this medicine can make hormonal oral contraceptives less effective and hence chances of unintended pregnancies increase. Alternate means of contraception should be adopted while taking this medicine.

        Cefixime

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may need a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring while taking them together. It is advised to inform the doctor about the use of any medicine belonging to cephalosporin group.

        Hydrocodone

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Your doctor will prescribe alternatives that have minimal or no interactions. An increase in side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, impairment of thinking should be reported to the doctor.

        Iron and vitamin B12

        Use of chloramphenicol can interfere with the effect of iron and vitamin B12 for the treatment of anemia. Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.

        Deferiprone

        Report the use of any chemotherapy medicine to the doctor before receiving chloramphenicol. The risk of adverse effects are significantly high and hence your doctor may prescribe safer alternatives.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Bone Marrow Suppression

        Use of this medicine in patients having a suppressed bone marrow can lead to fatal adverse effects. It could lead to several diseases of the blood in such patients. This medicine should be administered with extreme caution in patients with bone marrow suppression.

        Liver/Kidney Impairment

        This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients having an impairment of liver or/and kidney function. Use should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
      • Interaction with Food

        Food

        Information not available.

      References

      • Chloramphenicol-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 28 May 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/chloramphenicol

      • Chloramphenicol-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 28 May 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00446

      • CHLORAMPHENICOL capsule,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 28 May 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=CHLORAMPHENICOL

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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