Chloramphenicol
About
Chloramphenicol belongs to the group of antibiotic medicines used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat typhoid fever and other dangerous infections where other antibiotics are ineffective. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. Chloramphenicol does not work against infections caused by viruses, including colds and flu.
Chloramphenicol contains ‘Chloramphenicol’ that works by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins necessary for vital bacterial functions. Thus, it kills the bacteria and helps treat and prevent the spread of infections. Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which is active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
The dose of Chloramphenicol can vary depending on your condition and the severity of the infection. In some cases, you may experience common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Chloramphenicol if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Chloramphenicol is not recommended for use in children. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects/interactions.
Uses of Chloramphenicol
Medicinal Benefits
Chloramphenicol belongs to the group of antibiotic medicines used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat typhoid fever and other dangerous infections where other antibiotics are ineffective. Chloramphenicol contains ‘Chloramphenicol’ that works by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins necessary for vital bacterial functions. Thus, it kills the bacteria and helps treat and prevent the spread of infections. Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chloramphenicol
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Chloramphenicol if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have been recently vaccinated if you have porphyria (a metabolism disorder), minor infection, if you are taking medicines that may suppress the bone marrow, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. Chloramphenicol may cause grey baby syndrome (a condition in which the baby’s skin appears grey); please consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Chloramphenicol is not recommended for use in children.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking antidepressants, anti-epileptics, proton-pump inhibitors, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, chemotherapeutic drugs, benzodiazepines, azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, statins, anti-arrhythmic agents, antivirals, and Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have porphyria (a metabolism disorder).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Chloramphenicol. Please consult a doctor if you have concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafeDo not take Chloramphenicol if you are pregnant as it may harm your foetus. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not take Chloramphenicol if you are breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
safe if prescribedChloramphenicol does not affect your ability to drive. However, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have liver impairment/liver disease before taking Chloramphenicol.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease before taking Chloramphenicol.
Children
unsafeChloramphenicol is not recommended for use in children. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help in digestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. Generalized symptoms of bacterial infections are fever, chills, and fatigue. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines are more prone to bacterial infections.
FAQs
Chloramphenicol works by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins which are necessary for vital bacterial functions. Thus, it kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect Chloramphenicol. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
It is recommended to complete the course of Chloramphenicol even if you feel better, as it is an antibiotic. Leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection that will, in fact, stop responding to the antibiotic as well (antibiotic resistance).
Chloramphenicol may cause blood problems in some cases, which could lead to slow healing or infections. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Regular blood tests are advised while taking Chloramphenicol.
Use Chloramphenicol only as prescribed by the doctor. Do not use Chloramphenicol for longer durations. Consult your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
