Introduction
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.
Side effects of Chloramphenicol
Common
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Taste change
How to use Chloramphenicol
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 empty stomach.
How Chloramphenicol works
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.
Indication
Tetracycline-resistant cholera, typhoid, brain abscesses, meningitis, Granuloma inguinale, Anthrax, Listeriosis, Gas gangrene, Whipple's disease, gastroenteritis, melioidosis, Plague, Psittacosis, Q fever, Tularaemia
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take on an empty stomach 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.
Adult Dose
Adult: PO Susceptible infections 50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses, may increase to 100 mg/kg/day in more severe infections.
Hepatic impairment: Dose reduction may be required.
Child Dose
PO Susceptible infections
Child: Premature and full-term neonates: 25 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses.
Full-term infants >2 wk: 50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses.
Children: 50-75 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses increased to 75-100 mg/kg/day for meningitis or severe infections.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment: Dose reduction may be required.
Contraindication
History of hypersensitivity or toxic reaction to the drug; pregnancy, lactation; porphyria; parenteral admin for minor infections or as prophylaxis; preexisting bone marrow depression or blood dyscrasias.
Mode of Action
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.
Precaution
Impaired renal or hepatic function; premature and full-term neonates. Monitor plasma concentrations to avoid toxicity.
Lactation: enters breast milk; discontinue drug or do not nurse
Side Effect
<1%
Nightmares,Headache,Rash,Diarrhea,Stomatitis,Enterocolitis,Nausea,Vomiting,Bone marrow suppression,Aplastic anemia,Peripheral neuropathy,Optic neuritis,Gray syndrome
Potentially Fatal: Bone marrow suppression and irreversible aplastic anaemia. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia. Grey baby syndrome. Rarely, anaphylaxis.
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: enters breast milk; discontinue drug or do not nurse
Interaction
Decreased effects of iron and vitamin B12 in anaemic patients. Phenobarbitone and rifampin reduce efficacy of chloramphenicol. Impairs the action of oral contraceptives.
Potentially Fatal: Increases the effect of oral anticoagulants, oral hypoglycaemic agents, phenytoin. Avoid concomitant administration with drugs that depress bone marrow function.