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Chloramphenicol: Uses and Precautions

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic available in various forms including capsules, IV injection, eye drops, ear drops, and topical preparations. It works by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis. It is indicated for ophthalmic infections when prescribed by a nurse, otitis externa, acne or rosacea when used topically, and severe infections when taken orally or via IV. Common side effects include blood disorders, nausea, and skin reactions depending on the route of administration. Nurses should monitor patients for therapeutic responses and side effects when chloramphenicol is administered by different routes.

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Marielyn Gabatin Legion
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120 views3 pages

Chloramphenicol: Uses and Precautions

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic available in various forms including capsules, IV injection, eye drops, ear drops, and topical preparations. It works by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis. It is indicated for ophthalmic infections when prescribed by a nurse, otitis externa, acne or rosacea when used topically, and severe infections when taken orally or via IV. Common side effects include blood disorders, nausea, and skin reactions depending on the route of administration. Nurses should monitor patients for therapeutic responses and side effects when chloramphenicol is administered by different routes.

Uploaded by

Marielyn Gabatin Legion
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chloramphenicol

30 November, 2004

VOL: 100, ISSUE: 48, PAGE NO: 33

- Capsules: chloramphenicol....
GENERIC/PROPRIETARY NAMES

- Capsules: chloramphenicol.

- IV injection: Kemicetine, Chloromycetin.

- Eye: chloramphenicol, Chloromycetin, Minims Chloramphenicol.

- Ear: chloramphenicol.

- Topical: Actinac.

CLASSIFICATION

- Functional: broad-spectrum antibiotic.

- Chemical: dichloroacetic acid derivative.

- Legal: prescription only.

ACTION

- Interferes with protein synthesis in intact bacterial cells.

INDICATIONS

- Nurse prescriber: ophthalmic infections.

- Other: otitis externa; acne, rosacea (topical); severe infections (oral/IV); all
preparations are active against a wide range of organisms including Salmonella
typhi, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae,
Mycoplasma spp, Chlamydia spp.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

- All routes: hypersensitivity.

- Ear: perforated eardrum.


- IV: during labour.

- Oral/IV: previous toxic reaction, pregnancy, breastfeeding, porphyria, trivial


infections.

CAUTIONS

- Ear: avoid prolonged use, high incidence of hypersensitivity reactions.

- Eye: overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.

- Oral/IV: reduce dose in impaired hepatic/renal function, overgrowth of non-


susceptible organisms, carry out blood studies.

- Topical: pregnancy.

SIDE-EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTIONS

- Ear: irritation, itching, rash, urticaria, contact dermatitis, burning.

- Eye: transient stinging/burning sensations.

- Oral/IV: blood disorders including aplastic/hypoplastic anaemia, bone marrow


depression, peripheral/optic neuritis, erythema multiforme, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhoea, stomatitis, glossitis, Grey's syndrome in newborn.

- Topical: severe erythema.

INTERACTIONS (ORAL/IV)

- Enhanced effects of acenocoumarol, warfarin, tolbutamide, phenytoin.

- Reduced effects of chloramphenicol with rifampicin, phenobarbitone.

- Half-life prolonged by paracetamol.

- Avoid myelosuppressive drugs.

ADMINISTRATION

- Ear: clean stopper and warm solution to body temperature.

- Eye: wash hands and cleanse eye before application, apply pressure to lacrymal
sac for one minute to prevent systemic absorption. Apply topically inside lower eye
lid.
- IV: injection over at least one minute as a solution containing 25mg/ml or
100mg/ml; infusion after further dilution in suitable quantity of fluid.

- Oral: on empty stomach with full glass of water.

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

- Ear: evaluate therapeutic response. Redness, swelling, pain in the ear


indicates superimposed infection.

- Eye: evaluate therapeutic response. Itching, lacrimation, redness,


swelling indicates allergy.

- IV/oral: assess allergies before treatment. Mark in bright red on chart.


Alert all people giving medication. Monitor fluid balance, bowel patterns.
Evaluate therapeutic response - decreased temperature, negative culture.

PATIENT TEACHING

- Ear: method of instillation using aseptic technique. Dizziness may occur after
instillation, be aware of possible side-effects, avoid prolonged use.

- Eye: use as prescribed, do not touch container tip to eye, use separate tip for
each eye, wash hands between applications, do not use make-up, towels, face
cloths of others; may cause blurred vision when applied; report itching, increased
redness, stinging, swelling and discontinue use.

- IV/oral: complete entire course; report sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or
bruising, diarrhoea; take at equal intervals around the clock; wear/carry
identification if allergic to this drug; be aware of side-effects.

- Nurses should refer to manufacturer's summary of product characteristics and to


appropriate local guidelines.

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