Chloramphenicol
Also sold as: Chloromycetin
Prescription neededOther antibiotics
Comes as:CapsuleInjectionEye dropsEye ointment
Usual adult dose
Capsules and injection: dose is set by your doctor and used only for serious infections. Eye drops: 1 drop every 2 hours for the first 2 days, then every 4 hours, usually for 5 days. Eye ointment: apply at night or 3 to 4 times a day.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- eye stinging (eye drops)
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- unusual tiredness
- pale skin
- sore throat or unusual bleeding (sign of bone marrow problems)
- grey colour and floppiness in newborns
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Newborn babies (grey baby syndrome)
- Pregnancy near delivery and breastfeeding
- Previous blood or bone marrow disorders
- Severe liver disease
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.