Chloromycetin (chloramphenicol)
The generic name of Chloromycetin is Chloramphenicol. This medication is a man-made antibiotic. It helps in slowing down the growth of bacteria by not letting them produce proteins that they require for their existence and survival. This drug is useful against H. Influenzae, S. typhi, Neisseria species, E. coli, Streptococcus species, Staphylococcus, and rickettsia. This medication was approved by the FDA in December, 1950.
Dosage
The dosage of Chloromycetin (chloramphenicol) can vary depending on the specific infection being treated, the severity of the condition, and individual factors such as age and weight. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the prescribing information on the medication label. The following are general dosage guidelines:
Bacterial Meningitis:
- Adults and children: 50 to 100 mg/kg/day (divided into 4 equal doses) for 7 to 14 days.
Eye Infections:
- Adults and children: Apply Chloromycetin ophthalmic ointment or solution to the affected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours.
Rickettsial Infections:
- Adults and children: 50 to 75 mg/kg/day (divided into 4 equal doses) for 7 to 10 days.
Composition
Chloromycetin is found in the following forms:
- Eye drops or eye ointments
- Vial powder for the intravenous injection form
The active ingredient in this medication is Chloramphenicol. Each vial comprises a sterile solution up to 100 mg of chloramphenicol/mL. A single gram of chloramphenicol sodium succinate has about 52 mg sodium in it.
Uses
This medication is manly used for the treatment of eye infections caused by bacteria. It is a type of antibiotic which prevents the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic drug can only be used in case of bacterial infections. They will not work for the treatment of other types of eye infections. The misuse and the unnecessary usage of this drug can reduce its effectiveness.
Side-effects
There may be many unwanted effects resulting from the use of Chloromycetin which may require medical attention. Some of them may not require any medical attention. As the medication starts getting used to the body, the side-effects may eventually disappear.
Some of the rare side-effects found in babies are mentioned below:
- Drowsiness
- Bloated stomach
- Low temperature of the body
- Gray skin colour
- Uneven breathing
- Unresponsiveness
Some of the less common side-effects are:
- Fever along with sore throat
- Pale skin
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting or nausea
The above mentioned side-effects may even be seen after weeks and months of stopping the use of chloramphenicol.
Some rare side-effects are as follows:
- Fever, difficulty while breathing, or skin rash
- Blurred vision, loss of vision, or eye pain
- Delirium, headache, or confusion
- Tingling, numbness, weakness, or burning pain in the feet or hands
The health care professional will provide ways in which these side-effects can be reduced. The patient should immediately check with the health care professional in case the side-effects are bothersome.
Contraindications
There are restricted conditions where the use of Chloromycetin is prohibited. The conditions where the patient must be refrained from using this medication are:
- Allergic reaction to chloramphenicol amphenicols
- G6PD Deficiencies
- Anaemia caused by Pyruvate Kinase
Chloromycetin and pregnancy
The FDA has listed this medication in the pregnancy category C. There have been no evidences of any controlled data among human pregnancies. Though there has been no report of birth defects, there have been adverse effects resulting from the use of Chloromycetin in late pregnancy.
Some frequently asked questions about Chloramphenicol
What is chloramphenicol?
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat various bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, preventing them from multiplying and causing further infection.
What types of infections are treated with chloramphenicol?
Chloramphenicol is commonly used to treat serious bacterial infections, including meningitis, certain types of eye infections, and rickettsial infections. It may also be prescribed for other infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
How is chloramphenicol administered?
Chloramphenicol can be taken orally in the form of capsules or syrup, applied topically as an ointment or eye drops, or administered intravenously in more severe cases. The specific route of administration and dosage will depend on the type and severity of the infection.
What is the usual dosage of chloramphenicol?
The dosage of chloramphenicol can vary depending on the specific infection, patient age, and weight. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the prescribing information on the medication label.
What are the common side effects of chloramphenicol?
Common side effects of chloramphenicol may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and skin rashes. In rare cases, it may cause serious side effects such as bone marrow suppression, which can lead to anemia or decreased production of blood cells. It is important to be aware of any potential allergic reactions or severe side effects and to seek medical attention if needed.
Can chloramphenicol interact with other medications?
Chloramphenicol may interact with certain medications, including certain antibiotics, anticoagulants, and phenytoin. It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Can anyone take chloramphenicol?
Chloramphenicol may not be suitable for everyone. It should be used with caution in individuals with a history of blood disorders, liver disease, or kidney disease. It is important to inform your healthcare professional about your complete medical history and any ongoing medications before starting chloramphenicol treatment.
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