By Barbara J. Daley, RN, PhD
Reviewed by Ed Eiland, Pharm.D., MBA, BCPS, CSP, FASHP
Last Update: August 20, 2024
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What is Chloromycetin?
Chloromycetin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is primarily bacteriostatic. The active component is chloramphenicol. The drug produces a bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella species, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridia spp (some), Rickettsia spp, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma spp, Enterobacteriaceae, Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria, Streptococcus pyogenes, viridians, pneumonia (some).
The drug penetrates the bacterial cell wall and, binding to the subunits of the 50S ribosome, inhibits protein synthesis.
As a rule, chloramphenicol resistance develops slowly.
The drug is released in tablets each containing 250 mg or 500 mg of the active component.
Indications
Chloromycetin is used for treating:
- paratyphoid;
- typhoid fever;
- salmonellosis (generalized forms);
- rickettsioses (including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus, Q fever);
- brucellosis;
- tularemia;
- brain abscess;
- dysentery;
- meningococcal infection;
- inguinal lymphogranuloma;
- trachoma;
- chlamydia;
- ehrlichiosis;
- yersiniosis;
- urinary tract infections;
- purulent peritonitis;
- purulent wound infection;
- biliary tract infection.
Dosage and mode of application
Tablets are taken orally (usually – 30 minutes before a meal, if vomiting occurs – an hour after a meal). Adults are usually prescribed 250–500 mg x 3-4 times/day (2 grams per day). In severe cases (for example, in typhoid fever) – up to 4 grams/day (this is the maximum dose for adults that can be taken per day) under a strict control of hemogram (blood test), liver function, kidney function (liver and kidney tests). A single dose of tablets for children 3–8 years old – 125 mg, over 8 years old – 250 g; the multiplicity of pills – 3-4 times/day. The standard course of treatment is 7–10 days. In some cases, it is possible to extend the treatment to 2 weeks.
Contraindications
Do not take this medication if you have any of the following diseases/conditions:
- hypersensitivity;
- acute intermittent porphyria;
- pathology of the blood-forming organs;
- fungal skin diseases;
- impairment of the liver and/or kidneys;
- psoriasis;
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency;
- eczema;
- neonatal period (up to 4 weeks) and early childhood
Side effects
- Systemic effects: digestive system: nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, irritation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and mouth, diarrhea, dysbiosis;
- Blood (hemostasis, blood formation): leukopenia, reticulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hyperhemoglobinemia, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis;
- Sensory organs and nervous system: psychomotor disorders, delirium, headache, impaired consciousness, depression, optic neuritis, taste disturbance, auditory and visual hallucinations, reduced visual acuity and hearing;
- Allergic reactions: urticaria, skin rash, angioedema;
- Other: secondary fungal infection, dermatitis, cardiovascular collapse (in children under 1 year).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The safety of this medication during pregnancy and lactation has not been studied. The drug can be absorbed into the systemic circulation and penetrate through the placenta, into breast milk. For these reasons, its use is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
The drug is used in the treatment of pregnancy and breastfeeding women only if it is not possible to select a safer alternative drug.
Interactions
Medications that can interact with Chloromycetin include:
- oral hypoglycemic agents;
- drugs that inhibit bone marrow hematopoiesis (for example, sulfonamides);
- erythromycin;
- clindamycin;
- lincomycin;
- rifampicin;
- phenobarbital;
- phenytoin;
- warfarin.
Safety precautions
When using higher doses, the patient develops a cardiovascular syndrome. In addition, when taking the drug in high doses, the patient may experience a gray skin tone, respiratory failure and myocardial insufficiency. The probability of a lethal outcome reaches 40%. To stabilize the condition of the patient, hemosorption measures are taken and symptomatic treatment is prescribed.
The antibiotic is not used in newborns because of the possible development of “gray syndrome” (flatulence, nausea, hypothermia, gray-blue skin color, progressive cyanosis, dyspnea, cardiovascular failure).
Tablets are used with caution in patients who have previously used cytotoxic drugs or radiation therapy.
When used with alcohol, the medication can cause hyperemia of the skin, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, cough reflex, cramps.
In the process of treatment, systematic monitoring of peripheral blood is required.
Long-term use of chloramphenicol should be avoided, as this increases the risk of sensitization and resistance of microorganisms to it. It is not recommended to use it for more than 5 days. If a person feels no improvement or the symptoms worsen within 2 days, it is advisable to replace Chloromycetin with another antibacterial drug.
How to buy Chloromycetin?
Today, you can buy this antibiotic in any pharmacy. You can even purchase it online without a prescription. We offer you to order this drug online with home delivery and a competitive price. Using our service, you will not need to spend precious time and efforts on running around the city searching for the necessary preparation and comparing prices.
Keep in mind that you can take these tablets only after consulting a doctor! Only a medical specialist is able to determine the dose, mode of application and duration of treatment. If used improperly, antibiotics can adversely affect your health, causing a severe side effect. A doctor should assess your health condition, make a correct diagnosis, select the right frug, get information about your possible chronic diseases or sensitivity to drugs, allergies, breastfeeding or pregnancy. These aspects greatly influence the course of treatment and choice of antibiotics. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking.
Are you sure that you need Chloromycetin to treat your disease? Then we are glad to offer you high-quality service! Buying medication online is convenient and beneficial!
About the Author
Barbara J. Daley, RN, PhD, is a Professor Emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, celebrated for her 22 years of service in nursing and education. Dr. Daley, who retired in June 2019, has taught graduate courses in adult learning and qualitative research, authored over 100 scholarly works, and mentored numerous doctoral students. Her leadership extended to roles such as Associate Dean and Interim Dean in both the School of Education and the College of Nursing. Recognized with the Cyril O. Houle Scholars Fellowship, Dr. Daley continues to influence the field as an editorial advisor and respected member of various professional journal boards.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is solely for educational purposes and is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before altering your medical treatment or medications. Relying on this content instead of seeking professional advice is not recommended.