$Unique_ID{BRK03076} $Pretitle{} $Title{chloramphenicol (systemic)} $Subject{Chloromycetin Kapseals Parke-Davis Antibiotic chloramphenicol antibiotic bacterial infections production protein} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. chloramphenicol (systemic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) chloramphenicol (various manufacturers) Chloromycetin Kapseals (Parke-Davis) TYPE OF DRUG Antibiotic INGREDIENT chloramphenicol DOSAGE FORMS Capsules (250 mg) Oral suspension (150 mg per 5-ml spoonful) STORAGE Chloramphenicol capsules and oral suspension should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers. This medication should never be frozen. USES This medication is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It attaches to the bacteria and blocks their production of protein, thereby preventing their growth and multiplication. Chloramphenicol kills susceptible bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi. TREATMENT Chloramphenicol is most effective if it is taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal. The suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just before measuring each dose. The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses. Each dose should then be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. Chloramphenicol works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take four doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart. Try not to miss any doses of this medication. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time for your next dose, take the missed dose immediately; space the following dose about halfway through the regular interval between doses; then continue with your regular dosing schedule. It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms disappear before the end of that period. If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the infection could recur. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Diarrhea, headache, nausea, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about confusion, depression, fever, itching, mouth sores, skin rash, sore throat, sores on the tongue, tingling sensations, unusual bleeding or bruising, or unusual weakness. Also, if the symptoms of your infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, you should contact your doctor. INTERACTIONS Chloramphenicol interacts with several other drugs: 1. It can increase the blood levels of dicumarol, phenytoin, phenobarbital, tolbutamide, and chlorpropamide, thereby leading to an increase in side effects. 2. Chloramphenicol can reduce the effectiveness of iron, vitamin B, and cyclophosphamide. 3. The blood levels and side effects of chloramphenicol may be increased by acetaminophen and penicillin. 4. Concurrent use of chloramphenicol and antineoplastic drugs (anticancer medicines), colchicine, gold, oxyphenbutazone, penicillamine, or phenylbutazone can lead to an increase in side effects, especially to the bone marrow. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any drugs, especially to chloramphenicol. * Before starting to take this medication, tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had anemia, bleeding disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, or porphyria. * Diabetic patients should know that chloramphenicol can cause false-positive readings with the Clinitest urine glucose test. Switching to Clinistix or Tes-Tape to monitor urine glucose levels avoids this problem. * Chloramphenicol has been prescribed for your current infection only. Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a different medicine. You should not give your medication to other people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Chloramphenicol crosses the placenta. Although it appears to be safe during the early stages of pregnancy, chloramphenicol can cause serious side effects in a newborn infant if it is given to the mother late in pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of chloramphenicol pass into breast milk and can cause serious side effects in nursing infants. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.