Chloramphenicol
Instructions for use:
- 1. Pharmacological action
- 2. Release form
- 3. Synonyms
- 4. Indications for use
- 5. Contraindications
- 6.instructions for use
- 7. Side effects
- 8. Special instructions
- 9. Storage conditions
Chloramphenicol is a drug that has antibacterial properties. It is intended for the treatment of various infectious diseases. Chloramphenicol is widely used in pediatric practice and in ophthalmology.
pharmachologic effect
Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibacterial drug. It effectively acts on various gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, including the causative agents of purulent infection, dysentery, typhoid fever, meningococcal infection. In a therapeutic concentration, the drug has a bacteriostatic effect.
According to the instructions, Chloramphenicol is used to treat infectious and inflammatory diseases, the causative agents of which are spirochetes, brucella, rickettsia, chlamydia, and hemophilic bacteria. Chloramphenicol is weakly active against acid-fast bacteria, protozoa, clostridia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The resistance of microorganisms to this drug develops rather slowly. During treatment with Chloramphenicol, cross-resistance to other antibacterial agents usually does not develop.
According to the instructions, Chloramphenicol is well and quickly absorbed when taken orally. It penetrates well into the cerebrospinal fluid and breast milk.
When Chloramphenicol eye drops are used in ophthalmology, a therapeutic concentration of the drug is created in the cornea, iris and in the vitreous body. However, the drug does not penetrate into the lens.
Chloramphenicol release form
This drug is produced in the form of tablets containing 0.25 and 0.5 g of the active substance.
For topical application in ophthalmic practice, Chloramphenicol is used in the form of eye drops with an active substance content of 1 ml - 2.5 mg (0.25%).
Chloramphenicol for injection is available in powder form, packed in sterile vials of 0.5 and 1.0 g.
Chloramphenicol synonyms
This drug is also available under other trade names: Levomycetin, Levovinisol. Synthomycin, etc. Synonyms of Chloramphenicol have exactly the same indications and contraindications for use as Chloramphenicol itself.
Indications for use
Chloramphenicol is used to treat:
• Generalized forms of salmonellosis;
• Paratyphus;
• Tularemia;
• Rickettsioses;
• Brucellosis;
• Typhoid fever;
• Chlamydia;
• Meningitis.
According to the instructions, Chloramphenicol can also be used to treat other infectious diseases, provided that they are caused by microorganisms that are sensitive to it. It can also be used if other antibacterial agents are ineffective, as well as if their use in a particular patient is impossible due to individual hypersensitivity.
In ophthalmology, Chloramphenicol is used to treat:
• Conjunctivitis;
• Blepharitis;
• Keratitis.
Contraindications
• Individual intolerance;
• Certain skin diseases (fungal infections, psoriasis, eczema);
• Inhibition of the function of hematopoiesis.
According to the instructions, Chloramphenicol is contraindicated in pregnant women, nursing mothers. Do not use this medication in newborn babies. in them, it can cause the development of "gray syndrome", manifested by nausea, flatulence, hypothermia, blue-gray skin due to progressive cyanosis, respiratory disorders and symptoms of cardiovascular insufficiency.
Chloramphenicol: instructions for use
The drug is taken orally half an hour before meals. Adults are usually prescribed 0.25 - 0.5 g per dose every six hours. For the treatment of very severe infections, Chloramphenicol is prescribed four times a day, one gram at a time. In this case, it is necessary to carefully monitor the functions of the kidneys, liver and hematopoiesis.
The dosage of Chloramphenicol for children is calculated based on the child's age and body weight.
The duration of the course of therapy with Chloramphenicol is 7-10 days. If necessary and provided that the drug is well tolerated by the patient, the course can be extended to 14 days.
In ophthalmology, eye drops with Chloramphenicol are used for instillations by instilling two drops into the conjunctival sac from 3 to 5 times a day. The treatment is carried out within one to two weeks.
Side effects
The use of Chloramphenicol can lead to the development of various side effects:
• Reticulocytopenia;
• Leukopenia;
• Thrombocytopenia;
• Anemia;
• Allergic reactions;
• Decreased visual acuity and hearing;
• Confusion of consciousness;
• Psychomotor agitation;
• Visual and auditory hallucinations;
• Dyspeptic symptoms.
The appearance of adverse reactions requires discontinuation of the drug. Chloramphenicol synonyms have similar side effects.
special instructions
Chloramphenicol should not be used to treat acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis, and any mild infectious process. Also, do not use this drug for prophylactic purposes.
Chloramphenicol should be prescribed with great caution to patients who have previously received radiation therapy or treatment with cytostatic drugs.
During treatment with Chloramphenicol, it is unacceptable to take alcoholic beverages, because this can lead to the development of a disulfiram-like reaction (nausea, vomiting, hyperemia of the skin, reflex cough, tachycardia, convulsive syndrome).
During treatment with Chloramphenicol, it is necessary to regularly monitor the peripheral blood picture.
Chloramphenicol should not be used simultaneously with cytostatic drugs, indirect anticoagulants and barbiturates.
Chloramphenicol storage conditions
Chloramphenicol is available from pharmacies without a prescription. The shelf life of tablets is three years, powder for preparation of solution for injections is four years, eye drops is two years, but an opened bottle can be stored for no more than a month.
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!