10% Off
Cloram1%
Ibn-Sina Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
৳11.70
Out Of Stock
Generic medicine
Chloramphenicol: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Ophthalmic (Eye Drops / Eye Ointment) — Established Use Chloramphenicol eye drops (0.5%) and eye ointment (1%) are indicated for the treatment of superficial bacterial infections of the eye and more.
About Chloramphenicol
Indications of Chloramphenicol
Ophthalmic (Eye Drops / Eye Ointment) — Established Use
Chloramphenicol eye drops (0.5%) and eye ointment (1%) are indicated for the treatment of superficial bacterial infections of the eye, including bacterial conjunctivitis and other infections of the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by susceptible organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella/Enterobacter species, Moraxella lacunata, and Neisseria species. This is an established, guideline-supported first-line topical use. Chloramphenicol eye preparations should not be used for minor infections that would resolve on their own or purely for prophylaxis.
Oral (Capsule / Suspension) — Reserved for Serious Infections
Oral Chloramphenicol is reserved for serious, potentially life-threatening infections caused by organisms susceptible to Chloramphenicol, specifically when safer or less hazardous antimicrobial agents are ineffective, contraindicated, or unavailable. Established/guideline-referenced serious indications include typhoid fever (Salmonella typhi and other Salmonella species), bacterial meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae, and severe rickettsial infections. Oral Chloramphenicol should never be used for trivial infections such as the common cold, viral influenza, or uncomplicated sore throat, and not used prophylactically. Because of the risk of fatal bone marrow toxicity (see Precautions and Warnings), oral Chloramphenicol is used only under close medical and haematological supervision.
Dosage & Administration of Chloramphenicol
Dosing and administration of Chloramphenicol differ substantially by formulation and by indication, and must always be individualised by a qualified healthcare professional — the regimens below are general reference ranges, not a one-size-fits-all prescription. Ophthalmic Chloramphenicol is used topically in the eye at fixed intervals for a limited course, while oral Chloramphenicol is dosed by body weight and requires close monitoring because of the serious systemic risks of oral Chloramphenicol.
Side Effects of Chloramphenicol
Ophthalmic (Eye Drops / Eye Ointment)
Common: Transient burning or stinging on application, eye redness (conjunctival hyperemia), itching, and mild irritation.
Serious — seek medical attention: Signs of allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (rash, swelling, vesicular or maculopapular dermatitis around the eye); with prolonged or repeated ophthalmic courses, rare blood dyscrasias have been reported (see Precautions and Warnings — bone marrow toxicity) — stop Chloramphenicol and seek medical advice if unusual bruising, bleeding, or infection symptoms occur.
Oral (Capsule / Suspension)
Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache; mild skin rash.
Serious — seek medical attention immediately: Signs of bone marrow suppression or aplastic anemia such as unusual bruising or bleeding, sore throat, fever, or unusual tiredness (see Precautions and Warnings for the full explanation); optic neuritis (blurred or reduced vision) and peripheral neuropathy with prolonged therapy; signs of Gray baby syndrome in neonates and young infants — abdominal distension, vomiting, progressive grey-blue skin colour, low body temperature, and cardiovascular collapse (see Pediatric Uses); and signs of severe hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, facial swelling, severe rash).
Contraindications of Chloramphenicol
- Known hypersensitivity to Chloramphenicol or to any component of the specific product.
- A prior history of hypersensitivity and/or serious toxic reaction to Chloramphenicol.
Chloramphenicol should never be used for trivial infections (such as colds, viral influenza, or uncomplicated throat infections) or as a prophylactic antibiotic; while this is a strong clinical restriction rather than a hypersensitivity-based contraindication, it reflects Chloramphenicol's serious potential toxicity relative to Chloramphenicol's limited benefit in minor illness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chloramphenicol
What is Chloramphenicol used for?
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used in two main ways: as eye drops or eye ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis and other superficial eye infections, and as an oral capsule or suspension reserved for serious infections, such as typhoid fever, when safer antibiotics cannot be used.
Is Chloramphenicol eye drops the same as oral Chloramphenicol?
No. Both contain the same active ingredient, Chloramphenicol, but the ophthalmic (eye drop/ointment) form acts locally on the eye with minimal absorption into the body, while the oral form is absorbed systemically and carries a rare but serious risk of bone marrow toxicity that the eye formulation does not carry in the same way.
How is the dose of Chloramphenicol decided?
The dose, formulation, and duration of Chloramphenicol are decided by a qualified healthcare professional based on the type and severity of infection, the patient's age, weight, and organ function. There is no single dose of Chloramphenicol that applies to every patient or every infection — always follow your prescriber's specific instructions.
Can Chloramphenicol be used during pregnancy?
Chloramphenicol, especially the oral/systemic form, should be used in pregnancy only if a doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk, because use late in pregnancy has been linked to serious effects in the newborn resembling Gray baby syndrome. Chloramphenicol should generally be avoided close to delivery unless there is no safer alternative.
Is Chloramphenicol safe for babies and young children?
Ophthalmic Chloramphenicol is commonly used in children of all ages for eye infections under medical guidance. Oral/systemic Chloramphenicol, however, carries a special risk in newborns and young infants called Gray baby syndrome, caused by their immature ability to clear Chloramphenicol, so Chloramphenicol is only given to this age group under close specialist supervision with careful dose control and monitoring.
What are the most serious side effects of Chloramphenicol?
The most serious risk of oral/systemic Chloramphenicol is bone marrow toxicity, which can rarely cause fatal aplastic anemia; regular blood tests are used to monitor for this. In newborns, systemic Chloramphenicol can also cause Gray baby syndrome. Ophthalmic Chloramphenicol is generally well tolerated, though prolonged or repeated use has rarely been linked to blood disorders as well.
Does Chloramphenicol interact with other medicines?
Yes. Oral Chloramphenicol can raise blood levels of drugs such as phenytoin and warfarin-type anticoagulants by slowing their breakdown in the liver, and Chloramphenicol should generally not be combined with other bone-marrow-suppressing medicines. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking before starting Chloramphenicol.
Can I stop Chloramphenicol as soon as I feel better?
No. Whether using Chloramphenicol eye drops, ointment, or oral capsules/suspension, the full course prescribed by your doctor should be completed unless your doctor tells you to stop, because stopping early can allow the infection to persist or return, and repeated short courses of Chloramphenicol increase cumulative risk.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Chloramphenicol?
If you miss a dose of Chloramphenicol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule — do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.