Chloramphenicol

Overview

Chloramphenicol was first isolated in 1947 from the cultures of Streptomyces venezuelae. Chloramphenicol was synthesized in 1949, becoming the first completely synthetic antibiotic of importance to be produced commercially. Chloramphenicol is a broad spectrum antibiotic. Chloramphenicol is a nitrobenzene derivative. Chloramphenicol is primarily bacteriostatic and may be bacteriocidal to some strains. Chloramphenicol is active against both aerobic and anaerobic gram positive and gram negative organisms, rickettsiae and certain spirochetes. Adminitered orally or applied topically. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the drug at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Chloramphenicol is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the drug Chloramphenicol may result in ineffective treatment.

Categories

Primary Characterstics

Indications

Chloramphenicol is primarily indicated in conditions like Acromegaly, Acute epiglottitis, Anaerobic infections, Bacterial infections, Blepharitis, Brain abscesses, Brucellosis, Cellulitis, Corneal ulcers, Intraocular infections, Iron deficiency anaemia, Keratoconjuctivitis sicca, Life threatning infections, Meningitis, Peritonitis, Plague, Psittacosis, Q Fever, Septicaemia, Spotted fever, Tularemia, Typhoid, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Enteritis, Gangrene, Haemophilia, Influenza, Whipple's disease.

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Pharmacokinetics

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Contraindications

Chloramphenicol is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

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Drug Interactions

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Side Effects

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Dosage

Chloramphenicol's dosage details are as follows:
Dose Single Dose Frequency Route Instructions

Adult Dosage

0.5 %w/v0.5 (0.5)12 hourlyOphthalmic1-2 drops 4-6 times a day for first 72 hours.Treatment should be continued for approx 7days.
1 %w/w1 (1)6 hourlyOphthalmicFrequency may be increased to 8 times if needed.
5 to 10 %7.5 (7.5)6 hourlyOtic1-2 drops.
50 to 100 mg/kg75 (75)6 hourlyPO,IVMaximum dose: 4 g/day.

Paedriatic Dosage (20kg)

12.5 to 25 mg/kg19 (18.75)6 hourlyIntra Venous-
12.5 to 25 mg/kg19 (18.75)6 hourlyOral-

Neonatal Dosage (3kg)

12.5 to 25 mg/kg19 (18.75)6 hourlyIntravenous
12.5 to 25 mg/kg19 (18.75)6 hourlyoral

High Risk Groups

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Warning / Precautions

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Storage Conditions

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Interference in Pathology

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Brands / Trade Names of Chloramphenicol

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