Chloramphenicol

• Bacteriostatic for most organisms; bactericidal to H influenzae.

• Usual adult dose: 12.5mg/kg Four times a day

• Can be given IV, IM or orally.

• Absorption unpredictable following IM administration.

• Renally excreted therefore reduce dose if renal impairment.

• Causes serious blood dyscrasias which may be fatal therefore use restricted.

• Penetrates well into CSF and tissue.

Indications:

• Microbiology or infectious diseases advice only (IV and PO formulations).

• Used topically for empirical treatment of eye infections.

Active against most strains of:

• H influenzae
• Listeria
• Streptococus pneumoniae
• Salmonella spp including S typhi
• Anaerobes

Not active against most strains of:

• Coliforms

• Pseudomonas

Page last edited: 03/04/2009

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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