Chloramphenicol Palmitate
Chloramphenicol palmitate is a tasteless ester prodrug of the broad-spectrum antibiotic chloramphenicol, formulated as an oral suspension primarily for pediatric use or patients who cannot swallow capsules. Once ingested, it is hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract to release active chloramphenicol, which inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. Due to the risk of serious and potentially fatal hematological side effects, including bone marrow suppression and aplastic anemia, its use must be strictly supervised and reserved for critical infections.
Dosage by Body Weight
Standard oral dosage for children and adults with normal hepatic and renal function is 50 mg/kg/day divided into 4 doses (every 6 hours). Dosage must be carefully monitored, and routine blood tests (complete blood count) are recommended. Avoid use in neonates unless therapeutic drug monitoring is available.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Strict clinical calculation required (often 25 mg/kg/day or avoided)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated or highly restricted in newborns and premature infants due to the risk of Gray Baby Syndrome. Requires drug blood level monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 62.5 mg to 87.5 mg (approx. 2.5 mL to 3.5 mL of 125mg/5mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Use with extreme caution. Base dose on exact weight calculation (12.5 mg/kg per dose).
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg to 125 mg (approx. 4 mL to 5 mL of 125mg/5mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed the calculated dose. Regular blood count monitoring is advised if therapy exceeds 48 hours.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 137.5 mg to 187.5 mg (approx. 5.5 mL to 7.5 mL of 125mg/5mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure patient completes the full course under strict medical supervision.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 200 mg to 250 mg (approx. 8 mL to 10 mL of 125mg/5mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Closely monitor hepatic and renal function if therapy is prolonged.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Strict clinical calculation required (often 25 mg/kg/day or avoided) | Every 6 hours | Contraindicated or highly restricted in newborns and premature infants due to the risk of Gray Baby Syndrome. Requires drug blood level monitoring. |
| 5-7 kg | 62.5 mg to 87.5 mg (approx. 2.5 mL to 3.5 mL of 125mg/5mL suspension) | Every 6 hours | Use with extreme caution. Base dose on exact weight calculation (12.5 mg/kg per dose). |
| 8-10 kg | 100 mg to 125 mg (approx. 4 mL to 5 mL of 125mg/5mL suspension) | Every 6 hours | Do not exceed the calculated dose. Regular blood count monitoring is advised if therapy exceeds 48 hours. |
| 11-15 kg | 137.5 mg to 187.5 mg (approx. 5.5 mL to 7.5 mL of 125mg/5mL suspension) | Every 6 hours | Ensure patient completes the full course under strict medical supervision. |
| 16-20 kg | 200 mg to 250 mg (approx. 8 mL to 10 mL of 125mg/5mL suspension) | Every 6 hours | Closely monitor hepatic and renal function if therapy is prolonged. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of severe, life-threatening bacterial infections such as typhoid fever, meningitis, and rickettsial infections when other less toxic antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated.
Generic Name
Chloramphenicol PalmitateBranded Drug Names
Chloramphenicol Palmitate is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.