Chloramphenicol: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic sold in Pakistan in two very different forms: eye drops and ointments for eye infections, and capsules, suspensions and injections taken into the body.
How Chloramphenicol works
Chloramphenicol stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow.
What is Chloramphenicol used for?
- Eye drops or ointment: bacterial conjunctivitis and other surface eye infections
- Capsules, suspension or injection: serious infections such as typhoid or meningitis, only when safer antibiotics cannot be used
Because oral and injected chloramphenicol can cause rare but life-threatening blood problems, most doctors now reserve it for situations where other antibiotics are unsuitable.
Side effects of Chloramphenicol
Not everyone gets side effects. The ones reported more often are:
- Eye drops: brief stinging or blurred vision
- Oral forms: nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Oral forms: sore mouth or tongue
With capsules, syrup or injections, get medical help straight away for a sore throat, fever, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding, or extreme tiredness, which can be signs of blood problems.
Precautions and warnings
- Oral and injected forms must not be given to newborn babies, because they can cause a dangerous condition called grey baby syndrome.
- Oral forms need blood count monitoring.
- Avoid oral forms in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Do not use eye drops for more than the time advised, and do not share them.
- Remove contact lenses while using eye treatment.
Frequently asked questions about Chloramphenicol
Are chloramphenicol eye drops safe?
Eye drops are widely used and very little reaches the bloodstream. The serious blood problems are linked mainly to medicine taken by mouth or injection.
Chloramphenicol brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 30+ products containing Chloramphenicol from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
