Chloramphenicol (Chloramphenicol)
Overview of Chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol was first isolated in 1947 from the cultures of Streptomyces venezuelae. Chloramphenicol was synthesized in 1949, becoming the first completely synthetic antibiotic of importance to be produced commercially. Chloramphenicol is a broad spectrum antibiotic. Chloramphenicol is a nitrobenzene derivative. Chloramphenicol is primarily bacteriostatic and may be bacteriocidal to some strains. Chloramphenicol is active against both aerobic and anaerobic gram positive and gram negative organisms, rickettsiae and certain spirochetes. Adminitered orally or applied topically. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the drug at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Chloramphenicol is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the drug Chloramphenicol may result in ineffective treatment.
Indication of Chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol is primarily indicated in conditions like Acromegaly, Acute epiglottitis, Anaerobic infections, Bacterial infections, Blepharitis, Brain abscesses, Brucellosis, Cellulitis, Corneal ulcers, Intraocular infections, Iron deficiency anaemia, Keratoconjuctivitis sicca, Life threatning infections, Meningitis, Peritonitis, Plague, Psittacosis, Q Fever, Septicaemia, Spotted fever, Tularemia, Typhoid, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Enteritis, Gangrene, Haemophilia, Influenza, Whipple's disease.
Contraindication of Chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Chloramphenicol
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Chloramphenicol, which give rise to further complications include Encephalopathy, Pseudomembranous colitis, Urticaria, Thrombocytopenia, Hepatitis, Aplastic anemia, Hemolytic anemia, Aplastic anemia, Hemolytic anemia, Ototoxicity, Peripheral neuropathy, Optic neuritis, Hemolytic reactions, Interstitial nephritis, Hemolytic anemia, Aplastic anemia, Hair growth depression, Physical growth depression.,Chloramphenicol produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Bone marrow suppression, Grey baby syndrome, Anaphylaxis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Chloramphenicol therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Chloramphenicol include Grey baby syndrome.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Chloramphenicol are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Maculopapular rash, Stomatitis, Confusion, Pruritus, Depression, Glossitis, Delirium, Vision disturbances, Confusion, Transient stinging, Typhoid, Salmonella infection.
Precautions of Chloramphenicol
Evaluate blood count after every 2 days during therapy of chloramphenicol. Avoid concurrent therapy with other drugs that may cause bone marrow depression. It should be used with caution in case of liver or kidney disease. Discontinue therapy if secondry infection occurs.