Chloramphenicol: Uses, Price, Dosage, Side Effects, Substitute, Buy Online

Chloramphenicol Information

Chloramphenicol is a prescription medicine. It is typically used for the treatment of Bacterial Infections. Secondary and off-label uses of Chloramphenicol have also been mentioned below.

The right dosage of Chloramphenicol depends on the age, gender, and medical history of the patient. Individual symptoms and route of administration also determines the right dosage. This information has been provided in detail in the dosage section.

While these are the most often observed Chloramphenicol side effects, there are can be others also. These have been listed below. These side effects of Chloramphenicol are usually temporary and subside with the completion of treatment. However, if these continue for a longer time, consult your doctor right away.

In addition, Chloramphenicol's effect is Severe during pregnancy and Severe for lactating mothers. Further, the section on Chloramphenicol related warnings talks about Chloramphenicol's effects on the liver, heart and kidney.

Individuals suffering from medical conditions like Kidney Disease, Liver Disease must refrain from the use of Chloramphenicol since this can cause severe adverse effects. The section on Chloramphenicol contraindications lists all such conditions.

Additionally, Chloramphenicol may also adversely react with other medicines. See below for a complete list.

In addition to these precautions, you may also note that Chloramphenicol is safe while driving, and is is addictive in nature.

Chloramphenicol Benefits & Uses
Chloramphenicol Dosage & How to Take
Chloramphenicol Side Effects
Chloramphenicol Related Warnings
Severe Interaction of Chloramphenicol with Other Drugs
Chloramphenicol Contraindications
Frequently asked Questions about Chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Chloramphenicol Benefits & Uses

Chloramphenicol is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Bacterial Infections

Other Benefits

Ear Infection
Conjunctivitis (Read More - Say Goodbye to Pink Eye: Best At-Home Treatments for Conjunctivitis)
Typhoid Fever (Read More - Home remedies for typhoid fever)
Skin Infections (Read More - From Turmeric to Aloe Vera : How to Manage Skin Infections with Home Remedies)
Meningitis
Salmonella
Psittacosis
Eye Infections
Eye Allergies
Uveitis

Chloramphenicol Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Typhoid Fever Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 12.5 mg/kg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 6 hourly Course Duration: 10 days Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: Typhoid Fever Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 12.5 mg/kg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 6 hourly Course Duration: 10 days Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: Typhoid Fever Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 12.5 mg/kg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 6 hourly Course Duration: 10 days Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor

Chloramphenicol Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Chloramphenicol is used -

Mild

Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhoea

Chloramphenicol Related Warnings

Is the use of Chloramphenicol safe for pregnant women?

Chloramphenicol can cause severe side effects if taken during pregnancy, so, pregnant women should talk to their doctor before taking it.

Severe
Is the use of Chloramphenicol safe during breastfeeding?

Taking Chloramphenicol may lead to serious side effects if you are breastfeeding. Chloramphenicol should not be taken by breastfeeding women unless prescribed by the doctor.

Severe
What is the effect of Chloramphenicol on the Kidneys?

Chloramphenicol may have mild side effects on the kidneys.

Mild
What is the effect of Chloramphenicol on the Liver?

Chloramphenicol may cause harmful effects on liver. if you feel it's having any such effect, then stop taking this drug, and restart only on your doctor's advice.

Moderate
What is the effect of Chloramphenicol on the Heart?

You may experience side effects on your heart after taking Chloramphenicol. If this happens, then discontinue its use. Consult your medical practitioner, and do as he/she suggests.

Moderate

Severe Interaction of Chloramphenicol with Other Drugs

Chloramphenicol should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Moderate

Phenytoin

Rifampicin

Phenobarbital

Warfarin

Glipizide,Metformin

Amace Tablet

Glibenclamide,Metformin

Pioglitazone,Glimepiride

Chloramphenicol Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Chloramphenicol unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Allergy
Ulcerative Colitis

Frequently asked Questions about Chloramphenicol

Is this Chloramphenicol habit forming or addictive?

No, you will not get addicted to Chloramphenicol.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

Yes, you can operate a vehicle or heavy machinery after taking Chloramphenicol since it does not cause drowsiness.

Safe
Is it safe?

Chloramphenicol is safe but it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

No, Chloramphenicol cannot treat any kind of mental disorder.

No

Chloramphenicol Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Chloramphenicol

Eating certain foods may increase the time it takes Chloramphenicol to have an effect. You should consult your doctor about it.

Mild
Interaction between Alcohol and Chloramphenicol

Due to lack of research, nothing can be said about side effects of consuming alcohol while taking Chloramphenicol.

Unknown

Frequently asked Questions about Chloramphenicol

Question over 4 years ago

Can I take Chloramphenicol with paracetamol?

Dr. Roshni Poonja MBBS , General Physician, Internal Medicine

Yes, Chloramphenicol can be taken with paracetamol. No drug-drug interaction has been reported between them. Chloramphenicol is safe to take along with paracetamol if taken as recommended.

Question over 4 years ago

Can I take Chloramphenicol with ranitidine?

Dr. Chinmaya Bal MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Chloramphenicol can be taken with ranitidine. No harmful drug interaction has been reported between them. It is safe to take Chloramphenicol along with ranitidine if taken as directed by a doctor. However, if you feel any discomfort after taking this drug do not hesitate to inform your doctor.

Question over 5 years ago

Does Chloramphenicol cause fever?

Dr. Kapil Sharma MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Chloramphenicol has been reported to cause fever and chills but this occurs in a few cases. If you are experiencing fever after taking this drug then try taking antipyretics (drugs that reduces fever, such as paracetamol) if the fever relapses again then discuss it with your doctor.

Question over 5 years ago

Does Chloramphenicol cause weight loss?

Dr. Ajay Kumar. MBBS, MD , Psychiatry, General Physician, Infectious Disease, Sexology, Internal Medicine, Venereology, Diabetology

No, Chloramphenicol does not cause weight loss. It has not been reported by the patients who are taking this drug. However, some of the animal studies have reported weight loss after long-term use of this drug. If you are experiencing unusual weight loss and you are in doubt that Chloramphenicol is causing weight loss then discuss with your doctor instantly.