Chloramphenicol

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Chloramex ophthalmic ointment, Chloromycetin, Minims Chloramphenicol

Popular combinations:

Spersadex comp

Drug group:

Antibiotic

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used to treat:

• Eye and ear infections – topical preparations (main use)
• Meningitis and brain abscesses - oral or injectable
• Acute infections caused by bacteria resistant to other antibiotics - typhoid, pneumonia, epiglottitis, or meningitis

How should it be used?

Because of the rare risk of chloramphenicol causing serious/fatal blood disorders, oral/injectable routes are normally only used in-hospital, to treat life-threatening infections that do not respond to safer drugs.

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Oral/injection: every 6 hours (in-hospital only)
• Eye preparations: every 2–6 hours; ear drops 2–3 x daily

How quickly will it start to work?

1–3 days, depending on the condition and preparation
                

How long will the effects last?

6–8 hours
  

When should I stop using it?

Complete course as prescribed
        

Is it safe for prolonged use?

• Prolonged or repeated use of eye/ear preparations - the drug may become less effective
• Prolonged use of oral/ injectable – you may need regular blood cell counts

What are the possible side effects?

Transient irritation may occur with eye or ear drops.

The following have been reported with oral/injectable forms:

• More common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea

• Less common: numbness or tingling in the hands/feet, a rash

• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: impaired vision, painful mouth/tongue, sore throat, fever, unusual tiredness or weakness

What other considerations are important?

Dosage of oral/injectable forms may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, blood disorders
• Other medicines: phenytoin, phenobarbital, anticoagulants, oral antidiabetics, rifampicin, Ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established with oral/injectable forms, no evidence of risk with eye/ear preparations
• Children: oral/injectable forms not used, eye/ear preparations can be used
• Over 60: No problems expected
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, eye preparations can cause stinging or blurred vision
• Alcohol: No known problems