Chloramphenicol: What It Is and When It’s Used

If you’ve ever heard the name chloramphenicol, you probably know it’s an old‑school antibiotic. It was first made in the 1940s and still pops up for a few tough infections when other drugs don’t work. Doctors mainly give it for serious bacterial infections like typhoid fever, meningitis, or eye infections that need a strong, broad‑spectrum agent.

Because it can get into many parts of the body—including the brain and the eye—it’s a go‑to when the infection is hard to reach. But that same ability also means you have to be careful with dosing and watch for side effects.

How to Take Chloramphenicol Safely

Dosage depends on why you’re taking it, your age, and whether you’re using the tablet, injection, or eye‑drop form. For most adults, the oral tablet is 250‑500 mg every 6 hours. Kids get a weight‑based amount, usually about 25‑50 mg per kilogram per day, split into 4 doses. If you’re using the eye drops, just follow the doctor’s drops‑per‑eye schedule—usually one drop every 2‑4 hours.

Never skip a dose, but don’t double up if you miss one. Take the medicine with food or a full glass of water to reduce stomach upset. If you’re getting an injection, a nurse will handle the timing for you.

Common Side Effects and When to Call the Doctor

Most people tolerate chloramphenicol okay, but it can cause a few noticeable side effects. The most frequent are mild—headache, nausea, or a low‑grade fever. Some folks notice a grayish or yellow tinge to their skin, which is a sign of a rare blood problem called “gray baby syndrome” in infants, or “aplastic anemia” in adults.

Watch for symptoms like sudden bruising, unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or pale skin. Those could mean your blood cells are getting hit, and you should seek medical help right away. If you develop a rash, swelling, or trouble breathing, that’s a possible allergic reaction—call emergency services.

Because the drug can affect the liver, doctors often check liver enzymes before you start and during treatment. If you have a history of liver disease, tell your doctor; they might adjust the dose or pick a different antibiotic.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid chloramphenicol unless the benefit outweighs the risk, as it can cross the placenta and affect the baby’s blood formation.

In short, chloramphenicol works well for serious infections but needs careful monitoring. Stick to the prescribed schedule, stay alert for side effects, and keep your doctor in the loop if anything feels off. With the right precautions, you can beat the infection without unwanted surprises.