Chloramphenicol
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 ?
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.
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
- Opthomycin Plus Eye Drop
Omega Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Otek Ac Plus Ear Drop
FDC Ltd
- Ocuchlor 0.5% Eye Drop
Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Lorphen 0.03% Eye Drop
Ind Swift Laboratories Ltd
- Opticol Eye Drop
Greenco Biologicals Pvt Ltd
- Earwel Ear Drop
Leeford Healthcare Ltd
- Eptico 0.25% Eye Drop
Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Chlormet Dm Drop
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
- Zemoist Eye Drop
Entod Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Decol 500 Capsule
Alde Medi Impex
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
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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