Chloramphenicol

(klor am FEN i kole)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Chloramphenicol may cause blood problems. This may cause more chance of getting an infection, bleeding problems, or slow healing. Be careful when your child is using toothbrushes, floss, or dental picks; bleeding from your child's gums may happen. Your child's doctor may need to check your child's blood work while he/she is taking this drug.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to chloramphenicol or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Bone marrow disease, G6PD deficiency, liver disease, low blood cell count, or poor kidney function.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop or treat bacterial infections.

How does this drug work?

• Chloramphenicol works to harm the bacteria and fight the infection.

How is this drug given?

• It is given as a shot into a vein.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better a few days after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has liver disease, talk with the doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Bad taste in your mouth. This most often goes back to normal.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools (diarrhea). Yogurt or probiotics may help. You may get these products at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
• Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count may rarely happen.
• Feeling dizzy. Have your child get up slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Have your child be extra careful climbing stairs.
• A small number of people may have low blood pressure or more acid in the blood.

What do I need to watch for when my child is using this drug?

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted side effects of this drug.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea), even after drug is stopped.
• If your child has any bruising or bleeding.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• This drug will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.