Chloramphenicol (Oral)

Generic Details

Generic Name

Chloramphenicol-oral

Other Names

  • Chloramphenicol by mouth

Drug Class

  • Antibiotic

Chemical Formula

C11H12Cl2N2O5

Molecular Weight

323.13 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit

Indications

  • Treatment of bacterial infections such as typhoid fever, bacterial meningitis, and certain respiratory tract infections

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablets
  • Oral suspension

Typical Dosage

  • 500 mg every 6 hours

Pediatric Dosage

  • 10-25 mg/kg/day in divided doses

Geriatric Dosage

  • Lower doses may be required due to decreased renal function

Side Effects

  • Bone marrow suppression
  • Gray baby syndrome (in neonates)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol
  • Bone marrow suppression

Pregnancy Category

  • C - Risk cannot be ruled out

Lactation Safety

  • May be excreted in breast milk, caution advised

Drug Interactions

  • Warfarin - may increase anticoagulant effects

Overdose Symptoms

  • Bone marrow suppression
  • Cardiac arrest

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, supportive care recommended

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well-absorbed orally
  • Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues
  • Metabolism: Hepatic
  • Excretion: Primarily through urine

Precautions

  • Monitor blood counts regularly during therapy
  • Avoid prolonged use to prevent resistance

Warnings

  • Serious and fatal blood dyscrasias have been reported with prolonged use

Others

  • Avoid use in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency due to risk of hemolysis