Back to Antimicrobial Agents

chloramphenicol palmitate (limited availability)

chloramphenicol sodium sumlinate

Brands

Chloromycetin Kapseals (chloramphenicol)

Chloromycetin Sodium Sumlinate (powder for injection)

Availability

Tablets: 100 mg, 250 mg & 500 mg chloramphenicol

Capsules: 250 mg Chloromycetin Kapseals

Injectable: 1 gram vial (100 mg/mL) Chloromycetin Sodium Sumlinate

Pharmacology

A bacteriostatic, broad-spectrum antibiotic , that binds to 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria and prevents bacterial protein synthesis. It has activity against many Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms.

The drug can also act as a bactericidal in higher concentrations.

The drug is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. It can also collect at toxic levels in the newborn and very young, as they have difficulty eliminating it from the body. It is, therefore, not recommended to be given in pregnant or lactating animals, or the very young. The drug, in most species, is eliminated by hepatic metabolism.

Indications

To treat serious infections due to organisms resistant to other less toxic antibiotics, or when its penetration into the site of infection is clinically superior to other antibiotics. Those bacteria sensitive to this drug include clostridium, chlamydia, mycoplasma, salmonella.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

Not recommended for use with Tylan, azithromycin or erythromycin, as they may be antagonistic with chloramphenicol.
Do not give during pregnancy.

Acetaminophen will elevate chloramphenicol levels.

Chloramphenicol may antagonize bactericidal activity of the penicillins and aminoglycosides.

Rifampin may decrease serum chloramphenicol levels.

Adverse Reactions

Use with caution in impaired hepatic function. Prolonged use may result in suprainfections.

Blood:  Anemias

EENT:  optic neuritis

GI:  diarrhea

Other:  anaphylaxis

Dosage Recommendations

(Chloramphenicol palmitate) 25-90 mg/lb , PO, q8hrs   ⁴

or

(Chloramphenicol sodium sumlinate) 15 mg/lb to 25 mg/lb , SQ or IM, BID for 7-14 days  ⁴

or

(Chloramphenicol palmitate) 50 mg/kg to 200 mg/kg , PO , q8hrs   ^{1  2}

or

(Chloramphenicol sodium sumlinate) 30mg/kg to 50mg/kg , SQ or IM , q12hrs   ^{1  11}

Considerations

• Do not use for trivial infections, highly toxic.
• Refrigeration recommended.
• Do not give salicylates or NSAIDs while administering this drug.

Posted on June 23, 2003, 14:30, Last updated on December 12, 2008, 14:56 | Antimicrobial Agents