Bacterial infections:
Indications for Chloramphenicol Inj:
Serious susceptible infections resistant to other antibiotics. Typhoid fever. Cystic fibrosis regimens.
Adult:
Give by IV inj over ≥1-minute interval. 50mg/kg per day in 4 divided doses every 6 hours. Moderately resistant infections: may increase up to 100mg/kg per day, reduce dose as soon as possible. Typhoid fever: give for 8–10 days after patient has become afebrile. Renal or hepatic impairment: adjust or reduce dose. Switch to oral form as soon as possible.
Children:
Give by IV inj over ≥1-minute interval. Premature, full-term infants <2 weeks old, or children with immature metabolic processes: 25mg/kg per day in 4 divided doses every 6 hours. Children >2 weeks old: up to 50mg/kg per day in 4 divided doses every 6 hours. Severe infections (eg, bacteremia, meningitis): up to 100mg/kg per day, reduce to 50mg/kg per day as soon as possible. Typhoid fever: give for 8–10 days after patient has become afebrile. Switch to oral form as soon as possible.
Contraindications:
Not for trivial infections or prophylaxis. Previous toxic reactions to chloramphenicol.
Warnings/Precautions:
Renal or hepatic impairment. Obtain baseline CBCs then every 2 days during therapy; discontinue if blood dyscrasias, optic neuritis or peripheral neuritis develops. Avoid repeat therapy. Monitor serum levels. Premature and newborn infants. Labor & delivery. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.
Pharmacologic Class:
Antibiotic.
Interactions:
Avoid other bone marrow suppressants.
Adverse Reactions:
Serious/fatal blood dyscrasias, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinemia, GI upset, headache, confusion, delirium, optic and peripheral neuritis, gray baby syndrome, rashes, anaphylaxis, Herxheimer reactions (w. typhoid fever).
Note:
Formerly known under the brand names Chlormycetin, Mychel S.
How Supplied:
Contact supplier.
