Chemical formula: C₁₁H₁₂Cl₂N₂O₅ Molecular mass: 323.129 g/mol PubChem compound: 5959
Chloramphenicol interacts in the following cases:
Chloramphenicol has been shown to interact with, and enhance the effects of coumarin anticoagulants, some hypoglycaemic agents (e.g. tolbutamide) and phenytoin. When given concurrently, a dose reduction of these agents may be necessary.
Chloramphenicol can inhibit the effect of oral contraceptives.
Paracetamol increases the levels of chloramphenicol in the blood.
Plasma concentrations of chloramphenicol may be reduced with concomitant usage of phenobarbital and rifampicin.
Chloramphenicol may cause severe bone marrow depression which may lead to agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenic purpura or aplastic anaemia. These effects of the haemopoietic system are usually associated with a high dose, prolonged administration, or repeated courses, but they may occur at relatively low doses.
The safety of topical chloramphenicol in pregnancy has not been established.
Chloramphenicol may be absorbed systemically following the use of the eye ointment. Chloramphenicol does cross the placenta. Therefore chloramphenicol eye ointment should not be used during pregnancy.
The safety of topical chloramphenicol in lactation has not been established.
Chloramphenicol may be absorbed systemically following the use of the eye ointment. Chloramphenicol does enter breast milk. Therefore chloramphenicol eye ointment should not be used during breastfeeding.
No fertility data are available.
May cause transient blurring of vision on instillation of the ointment. User should not drive or operate hazardous machinery unless vision is clear.
The following may become apparent after chloramphenicol treatment: dryness of the mouth, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, urticaria, optic neuritis with blurring or temporary loss of vision, peripheral neuritis, headache and depression.
Superinfection by fungi e.g. C. albicans in the gastro-intestinal tract or vagina, may also occur due to the disturbance of normal bacterial flora.
Chloramphenicol may also impede the development of immunity and should therefore not be given during active immunisation.
The “Grey syndrome” may occur after administration in patients with immature hepatic metabolic capacity, i.e. infants and neonates, usually in those treated with doses substantially in excess of those recommended.
Transient irritation, burning, stinging and sensitivity reactions such as itching and dermatitis.
Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, anaphylaxis, urticaria, fever, vesicular and maculopapular dermatitis. Treatment must be discontinued immediately in such cases.
Bone marrow depression, including the idiosyncratic type of irreversible and fatal aplastic anaemia that is recognised to occur with systemic therapy, has been reported in association with topical administration of chloramphenicol.
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