Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Chloramphenicol IV, Chloromycetin
- Antibiotics, Other
Description
Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 50S ribosomal subunit; mainly bacteriostatic
Indications
Indicated for Serious Infections Caused by Susceptible Strains.
Use only as alternative for treatment of meningitis, typhoid, or rickettsial infection
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Oral or topical use
Bacterial prophylaxis
Viral infections
Adverse Effects
- Nightmares
- Headache
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Stomatitis
- Enterocolitis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bone marrow suppression
- Aplastic anemia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Optic neuritis
- Gray syndrome
Warnings
Avoid, if possible, repeated courses of chloramphenicol treatment
Do not continue treatment longer than required to cure the disease with little or no risk of relapse of the disease
Impaired liver or kidney function may cause excessive blood levels of the drug at recommended dose; adjust dosage accordingly; preferably determine blood concentration at appropriate intervals
The use of antibiotics may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi; take appropriate measures if nonsusceptible organisms appear during therapy
Gray syndrome reported in premature and neonate; characterized by abdominal distension with or without emesis, progressive pallid cyanosis, vasomotor collapse that is frequently accompanied by irregular respiration, death within a few hours of onset of these symptoms; may be associated with serum levels >50 mcg/mL after repeated doses
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: enters breast milk; discontinue drug or do not nurse
Maximum Dosage
200 mg/day PO or IV.
200 mg/day PO or IV.
200 mg/day PO or IV.
12 years: 200 mg/day PO or IV.
1 to 11 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
Chloramphenicol
injectable solution
- 1000mg/vial