Review Drug

Chloramphenicol

Brand names Chloromycetin, Kemicetine, Minims Chloramphenicol, Sno-Phenicol

Capsules

Eye drops

Injection

Used in the following combined preparations Actinac, Chloromycetin Hydrocortisone

GENERAL INFORMATION

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used topically to treat acne and eye and ear infections. Given by mouth or injection, it is used in the treatment of meningitis and brain abscesses. It is also effective in acute infections such as typhoid, pneumonia, epiglottitis, or meningitis caused by bacteria resistant to other antibiotics. Q fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and similar infections may also be treated with the drug.

Although most people experience few adverse effects, chloramphenicol occasionally causes serious or even fatal blood disorders. For this reason, chloramphenicol is normally reserved for life-threatening infections that do not respond to safer drugs.

INFORMATION FOR USERS

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.

How taken

Capsules, liquid, injection, cream, lotion, eye and ear drops, eye ointment.

Frequency and timing of doses

Every 6 hours (by mouth); every 2-6 hours (eye preparations); 3 x daily (ear
drops.)

Adult dosage range

Varies according to preparation and condition. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Onset of effect

1-3 days, depending on the condition and preparation.

Duration of action

6-8 hours.

Diet advice

None.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.

Missed dose

Take as soon as you remember (capsules, liquid). If your next dose is due,
double the dose to make up the missed dose. For skin, eye, and ear preparations,
apply as soon as you remember.

Stopping the drug

Take the full course. Even if you feel better the infection may still be present
and may recur if treatment is stopped too soon.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken,
notify your doctor.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS

Transient irritation may occur with eye or ear drops. Sore throat, fever, and
unusual tiredness with any form of chloramphenicol may be signs of blood
abnormalities and should be reported to your doctor without delay, even if
treatment has been stopped.

INTERACTIONS

General note

Chloramphenicol may increase the effect of certain other drugs, including
phenytoin, oral anticoagulants, and oral antidiabetics. Phenobarbitone or
rifampicin may reduce the effect of chloramphenicol.

Paracetamol may prolong the duration of action of chloramphenicol.

Other antibiotics Chloramphenicol may inhibit the antibacterial effects of
penicillin and erythromycin antibiotics.

Antidiabetic drugs

Chloramphenicol may enhance the effect of antidiabetic drugs.

QUICK REFERENCE

Drug group Antibiotic

Overdose danger rating Low

Dependence rating Low

Prescription needed Yes

Available as generic Yes

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You have long-term liver or kidney problems.

You have a blood disorder.

You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

No evidence of risk with eye or ear preparations. Safety in pregnancy, of other
methods of administration not established. Discuss with your doctor.

Breast-feeding

No evidence of risk with eye or ear preparations. Taken by mouth, the drug
passes into the breast milk and may increase the risk of blood disorders in the
baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Reduced dose necessary.

Over 60

No problems expected.

Driving and hazardous work

No known problems.

Alcohol

No known problems.

PROLONGED USE

Prolonged use of this drug may increase the risk of serious blood disorders and
eye damage.

Monitoring Periodic blood cell counts and eye tests may be performed. Blood
levels of the drug are usually monitored on infants given chloramphenicol by
mouth or injection.