Chloromycetin

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Infections of the ear canal are treated with Chloramphenicol otic drops.

This drug is taken by mouth for ear canal infections and may be taken singly or combined with other drugs.

Chloramphenicol otic drops is a prescription drug.

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Children are likely to experience Gray syndrome due to increased sensitivity to chloramphenicol.

Symptoms of blue tone to the skin, changes in blood pressure or heart rate, eating problems, irregular breathing, passage of loose green stools, or stomach bloating with or without vomiting should be reported immediately to your healthcare professional. If possible, the blood levels of chloramphenicol should be monitored.

No studies have been performed regarding the effects of chloramphenicol to the geriatric age-group. Infant risk studies when using this drug during breastfeeding are inconclusive. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

In cases where combination therapy is required, your healthcare provider may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. While taking this drug, inform your healthcare professional if you are also taking Ceftazidime, Chlorpropamide, Cyclosporine, Dicumarol, Fosphenytoin, Phenytoin, Rifampin, Rifapentine, Tacrolimus, Tetanus, Toxoid, Tolbutamide, Citalopram, or Voriconazole.

It is not recommended taking this drug with any of the aforementioned drugs as they may cause increased risk certain of side effects, but may be required in some cases. When prescribed with a combination of drugs, your healthcare provider may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with chloramphenicol is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Medical problems, especially opening in your ear drum should be reported to your healthcare professional as it can cause sensitivity reaction to chloramphenicol when it passes the middle ear.

Directions for use: to let the infected ear face up, let the patient lie down or tilt their head.

To straighten the ear canal, gently pull the earlobe up and back for adults (down and back for children). Slowly drop the medicine into the ear canal. For about 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection by keeping the ear facing up. To prevent the medicine from leaking out, a sterile cotton plug may be gently inserted into the ear opening. Do not touch the dropper to any surface (including the ear) to keep the medicine as germ-free as possible. Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Take the drug for the full time of treatment to clear up your infection completely.

Your symptoms may return if you stop using this drugp prematurely. Doses must not be missed. Follow your healthcare provider’s orders or the directions on the label for the correct dosage.

The dosage depends on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. For ear canal infections in adults and children, an otic solution (ear drops) is prescribed. For two to three times a day, use 2 or 3 drops in the infected ear. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Consult with your healthcare professional, if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse within a few days. 

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Immediately stop taking this drug and consult with your healthcare professional if you experience side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional.

Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.