Chloromycetin Sodium Succinate

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics such as Chloramphenicol. This drug kills bacteria and prevents their growth by inhibiting protein synthesis.

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat serious infections in the body and it can be also used with other antibiotics.

Chloramphenicol use in colds, flu, other virus infections, sore throats or other minor infections, or to prevent infections is contraindicated. Chloramphenicol is only FDA-approved for serious infections in which other antibiotics failed to work.

Some serious side effects, include blood and eye problems. Pale skin, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, and unusual tiredness or weakness can be symptoms of a blood problem.

The risks and benefits of taking this drug should be discussed with your healthcare professional.

Chloramphenicol is a prescription drug which is available in capsule, drops, and injection.

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.

Drug excretion of chloramphenicol is minimal for newborn infants which makes them especially sensitive to the side effects of chloramphenicol. No studies have been performed regarding the effects of chloramphenicol to the geriatric age-group.

Infant risk when using this drug during breastfeeding is still 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.

Anemia, bleeding, or other blood problems can affect the use of chloramphenicol as this drug may cause blood problems and those liver disease may have an increased risk of side effects.

This drug is best taken with a water-filled empty stomach, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare professional. Oral liquid form must be taken with an accurate dose. Take the drug for the full time of treatment to clear up your infection completely. Doses must not be missed. The dosage depends on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Oral dosage forms (capsules and suspension) are for bacterial infections.

The dosage is based on body weight for adults and teenagers.

• The usual dose for injection dosage form for adults and teenagers is 12.5 mg per kg of body weight every six hours.
• For children and infants up to 2 weeks of age the usual dose is 6.25 mg per kg of body weight every six hours.
• Infants 2 weeks of age and older are given a usual dose of 12.5 mg per kg of body weight every six hours, or 25 mg per kg of body weight every twelve hours. 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.

Storage

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.

A regular blood examination is important to detect blood problems that may be caused by this drug. A greater chance of infection, slow healing, and bleeding of the gums are some blood problems caused by this drug.

Regular toothbrushes, dental floss, and toothpicks should be done with care to prevent any unnecessary bleeding. Before taking this drug, dental work should be done or delayed until your blood counts have returned to normal.

For any questions about proper oral hygiene during treatment, consult with your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional before changing your diet or the dosage of your diabetes drugs as chloramphenicol may cause false test results with urine sugar tests..

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.

Less common side effects are: Pale skin sore throat and fever unusual bleeding or bruising unusual tiredness or weakness, all of which can happen up to weeks or months after taking the drug.

Bloated stomach, drowsiness, gray skin color, low body temperature, uneven breathing, unresponsiveness, Confusion, delirium, or headache eye pain, blurred vision, or loss of vision numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness in the hands or feet skin rash, fever, or difficulty in breathing are rare. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects may disappear out during treatment.

Ask your healthcare professional for ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Always report to your healthcare professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, or if you notice any other effects.

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