Chloramphenicol

Chloramphenicol is an effective drug used for treating serious bacterial infections.

Drug use

An effective drug against infections of the bacteria, Chloramphenicol kills the bacteria.

How taken

Chloramphenicol is usually injected. While taking the drug, you should have to follow your doctor’s direction. It should also be noted that you have to complete the whole course of the medication. If you stop the drug in the middle of a course, there are chances for the infections to relapse. It is also advised not to take more Chloramphenicol doses or take the drug for long periods. These conditions also increase the chance of the infections to relapse or you may get a second infection.

Missed dose

If a dose of Chloramphenicol is missed, you can take it when you remember it. But if it is time for your regular dose, leave the missed dose and continue with your daily dosage. Never go for two doses of the drug as it can only increase the risk of side effects.

Overdose

If you think of having taken an overdose of the medicine, contact your doctor without delaying.

More information

It is known that Chloramphenicol may interact with certain medicines. So you have to be careful while using other medicines. It will be better to inform your doctor about all the medications, including the prescriptive and the non-prescriptive drugs, which you are using. If you are using Anticoagulants along with Chloramphenicol, you should have to be careful as it increases the risk of bleeding. Drugs used for bone marrow treatment should only be taken after consulting the doctor.

Warnings/precautions

Before the physician writes down Chloramphenicol for you, it is better to discuss with him about all your health history. Tell the doctor if you have any allergies to any particular food, drug or any substance including the ingredients of Chloramphenicol. Your doctor should have to know if you have low white/red blood cell count, low blood platelets, throat infections and cold. If you have these conditions, you may not be prescribed Chloramphenicol or your doctor may go for dose adjustments.

It is better not to get pregnant while you are on Chloramphenicol medication. In case you become pregnant, talk to your doctor as the drug can cause harm to the foetus. As the drug is traced in breast milk, it is better to stop feeding the newborn while you are on Chloramphenicol medication.

Side effects

As like all drugs, Chloramphenicol also comes with many side effects. Some of the common side effects include nausea, Mild diarrhoea and vomiting. Check with your doctor if the side effects persist.

While taking the Chloramphenicol, some persons can experience severe allergic reactions like hives, rashes and swelling. Headache, tightness of chest, breathing difficulty, fever, confusion, delirium, dark urine, depression, pale/blue skin colour, sore throat, pain/redness/swelling at the injection spots, vomiting, refusal to suck, limp muscles, loose green stools, unusual bleeding and unusual tiredness. If you come across any of these side effects, you should never delay in contacting your physician.