Information about Chloramphenicol (Generic Chloromycetin) :


Chloramphenicol is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. This medicine kills bacteria and prevents their growth.

You should not use Chloramphenicol in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Chloramphenicol; you have previously had serious side effects from Chloramphenicol; you have a low white or red blood cell count or decreased blood platelets; you have a minor infection such as a cold, flu, throat infection, or you are using Chloramphenicol to prevent a bacterial infection; you are taking other medicines that may decrease your bone marrow (eg, cancer chemotherapy); check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if any of your other medicines may decrease your bone marrow.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Chloramphenicol:
Before using Chloramphenicol you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have anemia, bone marrow problems, liver disease, or kidney problems.

Be aware that Chloramphenicol may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased; hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) or sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide) because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased; medicines that may decrease your bone marrow (eg, cancer chemotherapy ) because the risk of serious side effects, such as low blood platelet levels and low white blood cell counts, may be increased; check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if any of your medicines may decrease your bone marrow.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Chloramphenicol:
Use this medicine as recommended by your physician. It is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. In case you are using Chloramphenicol at home, follow the injection procedures strictly.

Do not use Chloramphenicol if it contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged. Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.

In case you miss a dose of Chloramphenicol, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Try not to exceed the administered dose or use Chloramphenicol for longer than recommended without medical consultation.

Chloramphenicol is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Be aware that it is not effective for treatment of viral infections (eg, the common cold).

Use Chloramphenicol for the full course of treatment, as any failures may decrease the effectiveness of Chloramphenicol and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Chloramphenicol and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.

Long-term or repeated use of Chloramphenicol may lead to a second infection. Consult with your doctor in case signs of a second infection take place.

A newborn or infant may experience "gray syndrome" (swelling of the abdomen, pale or blue skin color, vomiting, shock, difficulty breathing, refusal to suck, loose green stools, limp muscles, low temperature) while taking Chloramphenicol. If it occurs, consult with your doctor. Death may occur within hours of the onset of symptoms. Stopping use of Chloramphenicol when symptoms first appear increases the chance for a complete recovery.

The body's ability to fight infection may be lowered by Chloramphenicol. Try to avoid contact with people with colds or other infections. Consult with your doctor of any signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.

The number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood may be reduced while taking Chloramphenicol. Avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools.

Diabetes patients should monitor their blood sugar levels closely as Chloramphenicol may affect your blood sugar. Consult with your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you are using Clarithromycin. It is important to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

You should use Chloramphenicol with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 1 year of age as safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been proved.

You should use Chloramphenicol with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 10 years of age who have diarrhea or a stomach or bowel infection.

You should use Chloramphenicol with extreme caution in premature and full-term infants because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Chloramphenicol, especially the risk of "gray syndrome."

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant while using Chloramphenicol, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of using Chloramphenicol during pregnancy. Use Chloramphenicol with extreme caution during full-term pregnancy and labor because the fetus may experience severe side effects. It is known that Chloramphenicol passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while using Chloramphenicol.

Possible side effects of Chloramphenicol:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; dark urine; delirium; depression; headache; fever, chills, or sore throat; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; symptoms of "gray syndrome" in an infant (swelling of the abdomen, pale or blue skin color, vomiting, shock, difficulty breathing, refusal to suck, loose green stools, limp muscles, low temperature); unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness; vision changes.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.