Chloramphenicol Capsule 250mg

About Chloramphenicol Capsule 250mg

Uses

• Treats typhoid and paratyphoid fever
• Treats bacterial meningitis in patients unable to take first line options
• Treats serious eye, ear and skin infections
• Treats intra abdominal infections caused by sensitive bacteria

Benefits

• Works against a wide range of bacteria in a single capsule
• Absorbed well orally, giving reliable blood levels for dosing
• Useful backup option when standard antibiotics fail or are unavailable

What Experts Say

Physicians usually prescribe chloramphenicol capsules on a strict six hourly schedule so that blood levels stay steady and effective throughout treatment. Missing doses or spacing them incorrectly can allow the infection to persist or let surviving bacteria rebound between doses.

Correct dosing depends on body weight and how well the kidneys and liver are working, so doctors adjust the amount rather than using one fixed dose for every single adult patient. Even with careful, well calculated dosing, the drug still carries a known risk of bone marrow suppression, including aplastic anemia.

Because of this risk, prescribers keep courses as short as the infection genuinely requires and pair treatment with regular blood count checks throughout. Patients are reminded to finish the full course, take capsules with water on an empty stomach, and report fever, unusual bruising, sore throat or persistent tiredness right away.

Drug Class

• Amphenicol antibiotic

Chloramphenicol Capsule 250mg formula

• Chloramphenicol 250mg

Available forms

• Capsule

How to use Chloramphenicol Capsule 250mg?

• Take one capsule every 6 hours or as directed by your doctor
• Swallow whole with water, do not crush or chew
• Take at evenly spaced times to keep steady levels in the blood
• Finish the entire prescribed course
• Do not self adjust the dose without medical advice

Drug Interactions

• Raises phenytoin blood levels and toxicity risk when taken together
• Increases the blood thinning effect of warfarin
• Increases the blood sugar lowering effect of sulfonylurea diabetes medicines
• Should be avoided with other drugs that suppress bone marrow function
• May blunt the response to iron and vitamin B12 treatment for anemia
• Can lower the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives

Risks and warnings

• Carries a documented risk of aplastic anemia, a serious bone marrow disorder that can occur during or after treatment
• Blood counts should be checked before starting and monitored throughout the course
• Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor decides it is necessary
• Avoid in newborns due to the risk of grey baby syndrome
• Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment
• Only use for the exact duration prescribed under medical supervision

Side Effects

• Aplastic anemia, a rare but serious and potentially fatal bone marrow suppression
• Reduced white blood cell count raising infection risk
• Reduced platelet count raising bruising or bleeding risk
• Nausea, vomiting or loose motions
• Headache
• Blurred vision with long term use
• Grey baby syndrome in infants
• Skin rash or allergic reaction

Storage Conditions

• Keep the strip at room temperature, ideally below 25 degrees Celsius
• Store in a dry place away from bathrooms or kitchens
• Avoid exposing capsules to direct heat or sunlight
• Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use capsules past the printed expiry date