DAWAPHENICAL CAPSULES
CHORAMPHENICAL CAPSULES
What it does
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
Commonly used for: bacterial infections, eye infections (conjunctivitis), serious infections like typhoid fever
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:01:53 · updated 2026-07-26 13:44:13
About this medicine
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
What it treats
- bacterial infections
- eye infections (conjunctivitis)
- serious infections like typhoid fever
How it works
It works by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping your body to fight off the infection.
Who it's for
It is for people who have bacterial infections that are not responding to other treatments.
Cautions
- • May cause side effects such as allergic reactions.
- • Use with caution in people with liver problems.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: choramphenical
Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It was originally derived from the bacterium Streptomyces venezuelae and is used to treat serious infections caused by susceptible organisms. Due to its potential for serious side effects, particularly aplastic anemia, its use is often limited to severe infections when other antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated.
Indications
- Bacterial meningitis
- Typhoid fever
- Severe rickettsial infections
- Cholera
- Certain eye infections
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for appropriate dosing based on age and weight.
Adults: Refer to specific guidelines and BNF for precise dosing based on the indication and severity of infection.
Mechanism of action
Chloramphenicol exerts its bacteriostatic effect by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the peptide bond formation during translation, which ultimately disrupts protein synthesis necessary for bacterial growth and replication.
Pharmacodynamics
Chloramphenicol has a broad spectrum of activity, being effective against a range of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Its bacteriostatic action allows the immune system to effectively clear the infection. Resistance can occur through the production of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase enzymes by bacteria, which inactivate the drug.
Pharmacokinetics
Chloramphenicol is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and can penetrate tissues and body fluids, including the central nervous system. It undergoes hepatic metabolism, primarily through glucuronidation, and is excreted in the urine. The half-life varies considerably but is generally around 1 to 3 hours in healthy adults. In neonates, the half-life may be significantly prolonged due to immature liver function.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol or any of its components
- History of bone marrow depression
- Neonates (due to risk of grey baby syndrome)
- Concurrent use with drugs that can cause bone marrow suppression
Adverse effects
- Aplastic anemia
- Gray baby syndrome
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Hematological reactions including thrombocytopenia and leukopenia
Interactions
- Increased effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin due to inhibition of hepatic metabolism
- Potential antagonism with penicillin and cephalosporins
- Increased toxicity when combined with other myelosuppressive agents
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with liver impairment
- Monitor blood counts regularly due to risk of agranulocytosis
- Caution in pregnant women and nursing mothers due to potential adverse effects on the fetus or infant
Pregnancy
Chloramphenicol is generally avoided in pregnancy due to potential risks of fetal harm and the development of gray baby syndrome.
Breast-feeding
Chloramphenicol is excreted in breast milk; nursing mothers should avoid the drug unless absolutely necessary.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from light, at a temperature below 25 degrees Celsius.
Formulations
- Oral capsules
- Oral suspension
- Topical ointment
- Intravenous injection
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.