Chloramphenicol
General English name: Chloramphenicol
Application: Treatment of bacterial infection
Dosage forms of chloramphenicol
Drug information Chloramphenicol capsules or ampoules
Amount and method of taking chloramphenicol
Contraindications to chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol use during pregnancy and lactation
The effect of chloramphenicol on driving and working with machines
Chloramphenicol drug interactions
Special warnings and precautions while taking chloramphenicol
Side effects of chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol overdose (drug poisoning)
Storage conditions of chloramphenicol
Dosage forms of chloramphenicol
- Capsules, ampoules, ointments, eye drops
Drug information Chloramphenicol capsules or ampoules
Chloramphenicol is a potent, potentially toxic, broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat risky infections, especially infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae and typhoid fever. Because of the high toxicity of this drug, other antibiotics are preferred over this drug and are not prescribed except in the special cases mentioned above.
If you are interested in learning more about other forms of chloramphenicol, such as chloramphenicol ointment or eye drops, you can refer to the relevant page.
Amount and method of taking chloramphenicol
- Read the package leaflet carefully before starting treatment with the chloramphenicol antibiotic. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor.
- Injectable chloramphenicol is usually given by a nurse or doctor as an intravenous injection, the dose and amount of which is injected by a doctor. Serum concentrations peak one hour after intravenous injection.
- It is best to take oral chloramphenicol with a glass of water on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal).
- Serum concentrations of the drug peak 1-3 hours after oral administration.
- To improve the effect of chloramphenicol antibiotics, take the medicine every day, at certain times of the day.
- Stop taking the medicine as long as it is prescribed for you. Early discontinuation of the drug may lead to recurrence of the infection. It should be noted that long-term use of this drug can also cause recurrence of the infection, do not take this antibiotic for more than the prescribed time.
Contraindications to chloramphenicol
- Note that chloramphenicol should be injected before the expiration date.
- Never give chloramphenicol to another person, even if you have the same symptoms.
- Check for drug interactions, and if you are taking a drug that interacts with this medication, talk to your doctor about using your medications.
Chloramphenicol use during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, you should not use the drug arbitrarily and without consulting your doctor. Medications can have devastating effects on the fetus or on yourself. The antibiotic chloramphenicol is highly toxic and can have serious toxic effects on the fetus and pregnant mother.
The effect of chloramphenicol on driving and working with machines
Chloramphenicol may cause headaches or illness, so make sure you are alert and healthy before driving or operating machinery.
Chloramphenicol drug interactions
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter and herbal medicines) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Phenobarbital and rifampin accelerate the metabolism of chloramphenicol.
Chloramphenicol increases the effect of the anticoagulant warfarin and hypoglycemic drugs and also increases the plasma concentration of phenytoin and increases the risk of intoxication with these drugs.
Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect pregnancy control, antibiotics such as rifampin and rifabutin reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives such as pills, patches, or rings. Consult your doctor before using antibiotics.
Special warnings and precautions while taking chloramphenicol
Some medications may not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best to let your doctor know the following before taking this medicine:
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding your baby.
- If you have any liver or kidney problems.
- If you have any of these health problems: bone marrow disease or a lack of blood cells.
- If you are taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of allergic reactions to medications or other antibiotics such as penicillins.
Side effects of chloramphenicol
All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away shortly after taking the medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the physician should be informed:
- Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Blood disorders including aplastic anemia
- nausea and vomiting
- Inflammation of the mouth
- Inflammation of the tongue
- Blood in the urine at night
Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel may be due to the use of chloramphenicol.
Chloramphenicol overdose (drug poisoning)
- Do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- If you feel that someone has a drug poisoning and you have symptoms such as shortness of breath or fainting (fainting), call the emergency room right away.
Storage conditions of chloramphenicol
- Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
- Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.