Drug Uses
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that is used for the treatment of serious infections caused by certain bacteria.
How it is taken
Chloramphenicol can be taken by mouth with or without food. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.
Drug Class & Mechanism
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that slows down the growth of and kills bacteria that is susceptible to it.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of Chloramphenicol, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Storage
Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.
may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.
You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it, have a low white or red blood cell count or decreased blood platelets, have a minor infection such as a cold, flu, throat infection, or you are using Chloramphenicol to prevent a bacterial infection, taking other medicines that may decrease your bone marrow (e.g., cancer chemotherapy).
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic. It is not effective for treating viral infections (e.g., the common cold).
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using and contact your doctor immediately.
It may weaken your immune system and hence you must avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections.
Chloramphenicol may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. So, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. If you notice any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools, then report it to your doctor
It is important to use Chloramphenicol for the full course of treatment. If you skip it midway then it may decrease the effectiveness of Chloramphenicol and make the bacteria resistant to Chloramphenicol or certain other antibiotics in the future.
Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.
It is unknown whether is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Periodic lab tests including complete blood cell counts may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.
Some of the common side effects of are mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.
Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), confusion, dark urine, delirium, depression, headache, fever, chills, or sore throat, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, symptoms of "gray syndrome" in an infant (swelling of the abdomen, pale or blue skin color, vomiting, shock, difficulty breathing, refusal to suck, loose green stools, limp muscles, low temperature), unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness, vision changes.
You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.
