Long- acting oily Chloramphenicol Injectable

Generic Name: Chloramphenicol

Brand Names:

Availability: Available with Prescription

Drug Class: Phenicol Antibiotics

Therapeutic action

  • Phenicol antibacterial, with prolonged effect

Indications

  • Treatment of meningococcal meningitis during epidemics

Forms and strengths, route of administration

  • 500 mg oily suspension in 2 ml ampoule (250 mg/ml) for IM injection only.NEVER FOR IV INJECTION.

Dosage

  • Child over 2 years and adult:100 mg/kg single dose (max. 3 g per dose)
AgeWeightDoseVolume
2 to < 6 years13to < 21 kg1.5 g6 ml
6 to < 10 years21to < 31 kg2g8 ml
10 to < 15 years31to < 54 kg2.5 g10 ml
≥ 15 years and adult≥ 54 kg3g12 ml
  • If necessary, administer half the dose into each buttock.

Duration

  • Single dose. If there is no improvement after 24 hours, a second dose may be administered.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

  • Do not administer to patients with:
    • history of allergic reaction or bone marrow depression during a previous treatment with chloramphenicol;
    • G6PD deficiency.
  • May cause:
    • dose-related haematological toxicity(bone marrow depression, anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia), allergic reactions. In these events, stop treatment immediately; 
    • gastrointestinal disturbances, peripheral and optic neuropathies.
  • Avoid or monitor combination with potentially haematotoxic drugs (carbamazepine, co- trimoxazole, flucytocine, pyrimethamine, zidovudine, etc.).
  • Pregnancy: CONTRA-INDICATED
  • Breast-feeding: CONTRA-INDICATED

Remarks

  • Oily chloramphenicol is not recommended as chemoprophylaxis for meningitis contacts during epidemics.
  • Shake the injection suspension before administration.

Storage

– Below 25 °C