Drug: Chloramphenicol

Chloramphenicol
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Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that slows down the growth of and kills sensitive bacteria. Due to its aggressive nature, online sources suggest using other medications that are safer if Chloramphenicol is not the only viable option. This drug should not be used to treat simple infections and short-term illnesses such as the flu, cold or throat infections. Most individuals who are put on Chloramphenicol are hospitalized to keep them under observation and have tests run to indicate the presence of any side effects.
Cheap options of Chloramphenicol are easily found in eye ointments and eye drops.

Precautionary Measures

Individuals who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Chloramphenicol or have had severe reactions to it before, should not be administered with it. Additionally, those with low red and white cell count or those with platelet levels that are lower than normal should avoid taking Chloramphenicol as well. People with minor infections such as cold or flu should refrain from taking this drug unnecessarily and it should also be avoided if any current medication you are on results in a decrease in bone marrow when combined with Chloramphenicol.

Women who are currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are nursing should refrain from taking Chloramphenicol.

Anticoagulants such as warfarin should not be taken together with Chloramphenicol as it may increase the risk of dangerous side effects. Similar conditions apply to hydantoins and sulfonylureas. There are other medications that could potentially lead to disastrous side effects when combined with Chloramphenicol. Thus, it is important to check with your physician or the healthcare professional at the pharmacy before starting on the drug.

Dosage

Unlike other milder antibiotics, Chloramphenicol is administered through injections. Follow the dosage to the letter for maximum benefits. Usually it is given in clinics or hospitals. However, if you are having it injected at home, make sure to follow the full procedure taught to you. If the vial of medication appears to be discoloured or cracked and damaged in any way, do not use it.

If you do miss a dose, do not take 2 at the same time as it could lead to an overdose that causes even more damage. Syringes and needles should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Lastly, disposing of the needles in the right way is imperative. Never reuse the needles and check with your doctor or pharmacy based healthcare professionals how needles should be properly disposed of.

Side Effects

There are some necessary effects that accompany Chloramphenicol. These effects are essential for full absorption by the human body and part of the recovery process. However, there are sometimes unintentional side effects that occur in both babies and adults.

Adults may experience any of the following effects: confusion, difficulty in breathing, lack of strength in hands and feet or blurry or loss of vision. Babies may exhibit these side effects such as, bloated stomach, drowsiness, greyish skin colour or uneven breathing. These side effects in both adults and infants are considered rare and are an indication of an inability to full absorb Chloramphenicol. Administering of the drug should be stopped immediately and immediate medical attention should be sought.

Conclusively, Chloramphenicol is a powerful and highly effective antibiotic that should be taken or administered with great caution.

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