Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used for the treatment of various bacterial infections, such as those caused by the microorganisms Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella tiphi and Bacteroides fragilis .
The efficacy of this medicine is due to its mechanism of action, which consists in altering the protein synthesis of the bacteria, which weaken and are totally eliminated from the human body.
Chloramphenicol is found in the main pharmacies, and is available in the presentations in tablet 500mg, 250mg capsule, dragee 500mg, ophthalmic solution 4mg / ml and 5mg / ml, powder injectable 1000mg, syrup.
What is it for
Chloramphenicol is recommended for the treatment of Haemophilus influenzae infections, such as meningitis, septicemia, otitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis, arthritis or osteomyelitis.
It is also indicated in the treatment of typhoid fever and invasive salmonellosis, brain abscesses by Bacteroides fragilis and other sensitive microorganisms, bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus or Meningococcus, in patients allergic to penicillin, Pseudomonas pseudomalle infections, intraabdominal infections, actinomycosis, anthrax, brucellosis, inguinal granuloma, treponematoses, plague, sinusitis or chronic suppurative otitis.
How to take
The use of Chloramphenicol is recommended as follows:
1. Oral or injectable use
The use is usually divided into 4 doses or administrations, every 6 hours. In adults, the dose is 50mg per kg of body weight per day, with a maximum recommended dose of 4g per day. However, medical advice should be followed because some serious infections, such as meningitis, may reach 100mg / kg / day.
In children, the dose of this medicine is also 50 mg per kilogram of weight per day, but in premature babies and newborns less than 2 weeks of age, the dose is 25 mg per kilogram of weight per day.
It is recommended that the medicine be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after the meal.
2. Eye use
For the treatment of eye infections it is recommended to apply 1 or 2 drops of the ophthalmic solution to the affected eye every 1 to 2 hours or as directed by a doctor.
It is recommended not to touch the tip of the bottle in eyes, fingers or other surfaces to avoid contamination of the medicine.
3. Creams and ointments
Chloramphenicol may be in combination with ointments for healing or treatment of ulcers infected by germs sensitive to this antibiotic, such as collagenase or fibrinase, for example, and is usually used at each dressing change or once a day. Learn more about using Colagenase.
Possible side effects
The side effects of Chloramphenicol may include: nausea, diarrhea, enterocolitis, vomiting, inflammation of the lips and tongue, changes in blood, hypersensitivity reactions.
Who should not use
Chlorofenicol is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any component of the formula in pregnant or nursing women, patients with a cold, sore throat or the flu.
It should also not be used by people with changes in tissue that produce blood, changes in the amount of blood cells and patients with hepatic or renal impairment
