Chloramphenicol sodium was first approved by the FDA for medical use on February 20, 1959, to treat severe systemic bacterial infections.

Chloramphenicol sodium is a broad-spectrum antibacterial used to treat severe systemic bacterial infections, including typhoid, meningitis, and other infections. Typically, it is considered when previous antibiotic treatments have proven ineffective, when oral chloramphenicol is not feasible, or when a high concentration of the medication is required in your bloodstream.

Chloramphenicol sodium is available as a 1mg injection. It is given only in a hospital setup by a healthcare provider. It is infused directly into your veins by your physician. Your physician will decide the dosage and frequency of this injection based on the severity of your disease and other factors.

Chloramphenicol can cause some side effects like any other drug. Some of the serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as red raised areas on your skin, which may look like spots or be several inches across, which cause itchiness, grey syndrome – usually in newborn or premature infants, where the skin appears grey, white blood cells counts can also drop, increasing the chance of infections and fever, and anemia (a low red blood cell count) that leave you feeling tired and lethargic. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.

It is not recommended to take this medication if allergic to chloramphenicol. Furthermore, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor. If you have a history of kidney or liver disease or are already taking medications that could lead to bone marrow depression, it is essential to inform your disease condition with your healthcare provider. The same applies to a cold, viral influenza, or throat infection. Tell your doctor if you have recently received a vaccination or scheduled for one. 

This injection carries a potential risk of causing bone marrow suppression and bleeding disorders, including various forms of anemia (a reduction in red blood cells), leucopenia (a decrease in white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (a decrease in platelets). These conditions can weaken your immune system and, in some cases, even develop into leukemia (blood cancer). Therefore, it is crucial to let your doctor know if you have any history of these disorders before starting chloramphenicol treatment.

During the treatment, your doctor may go for frequent blood tests to check the proper liver and kidney functioning and measure your blood count, as chloramphenicol injection can damage your blood cells, causing bone marrow suppression. Hence, you will be hospitalized until you recover.

There is a risk of over-growth of non-susceptible organisms, which can lead to severe diarrhea up to a few months after this medicine is given to you. Inform your doctor if you face any side effects during or after the treatment. You must not take this medication as prophylaxis to prevent bacterial infections such as colds, influenza, or throat infections. This medication is for in-hospital use only provided by your doctor. Always inform your doctor if you have any concerns before taking this medication. 

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5. Camille E. Beauduy, Lisa G. Winston, Tetracyclines, Macrolides, Clindamycin, Chloramphenicol, Streptogramins, & Oxazolidinones, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 815-825.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.