Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It is also used to treat typhoid fever.
It is used when other antibiotics are ineffective or not suitable for use by the patient.
Take Chloramphenicol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection, and your response to the medication.
Take Chloramphenicol at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Chloramphenicol if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- blood disorders
- minor infections
- have recently been vaccinated
as Chloramphenicol may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Chloramphenicol, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Chloramphenicol.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Chloramphenicol with medicines that can cause bone marrow depression (a condition in which the blood cells are low). Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Culture and sensitivity tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suitable for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count, blood Chloramphenicol levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Chloramphenicol may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, headache, confusion, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools
This medicine will cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds, and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Chloramphenicol with the following medicines that may cause bone marrow depression:
- sulfonamides (certain antibiotic)
- phenylbutazone (medicine for pain and inflammation)
- certain medicines to treat viral infection e.g. zidovudine, lamivudine, abacavir
- medicines used to treat cancer
- certain medicines for mood disorders
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- paracetamol (medicine for pain and fever)
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- birth control pills which contain estrogen
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Chloramphenicol.
Avoid vaccinations during treatment with Chloramphenicol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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