GENERIC NAME: CHLORAMPHENICOL - ORAL (klor-am-FEN-eh-coal)
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Rarely, this medication has caused serious, sometimes fatal blood disorders (e.g., aplastic anemia, hypoplastic anemia). Do not use chloramphenicol if safer, effective medications can be used. Do not use this medication to treat or prevent simple infections such as a cold or the flu. Immediately notify your doctor if you have easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, or unusual fatigue.
USES: Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
HOW TO USE: This medication is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. It may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. The liquid suspension form of this medicine must be shaken well before using. Store in the refrigerator. Check the expiration date and discard any unused portion after 14 days because the drug loses potency. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, nausea, and vomiting which should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience: fever, fatigue, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, abdominal pain, bloating, vision changes or eye pain, tingling of the hands or feet. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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