Chloromycetin
Chloromycetin is a brand name for chloramphenicol, a potent broad-spectrum antibiotic. It inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and is highly effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Due to potential serious side effects, such as bone marrow suppression and Gray Baby Syndrome, its systemic use is reserved for severe infections where safer alternatives are not available.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be strictly individualized based on severity of infection, age, and renal/hepatic function. Standard pediatric and adult systemic dosage is 50 mg/kg/day divided into 4 doses every 6 hours. Blood concentration monitoring is highly recommended.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 25 mg/kg/day (divided)
- Frequency
- Every 6 to 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Extremely high risk of Gray Baby Syndrome in newborns and infants. Use only under strict specialist supervision with blood level monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 62.5 mg to 87.5 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at 50 mg/kg/day. Monitor blood counts and hepatic function regularly.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg to 125 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at 50 mg/kg/day. Avoid prolonged treatment exceeding 14 days if possible.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 137.5 mg to 187.5 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at 50 mg/kg/day. Close monitoring of hematological parameters is essential.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 200 mg to 250 mg
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at 50 mg/kg/day. Complete blood counts should be performed every 2-3 days.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 25 mg/kg/day (divided) | Every 6 to 12 hours | Extremely high risk of Gray Baby Syndrome in newborns and infants. Use only under strict specialist supervision with blood level monitoring. |
| 5-7 kg | 62.5 mg to 87.5 mg | Every 6 hours | Calculated at 50 mg/kg/day. Monitor blood counts and hepatic function regularly. |
| 8-10 kg | 100 mg to 125 mg | Every 6 hours | Calculated at 50 mg/kg/day. Avoid prolonged treatment exceeding 14 days if possible. |
| 11-15 kg | 137.5 mg to 187.5 mg | Every 6 hours | Calculated at 50 mg/kg/day. Close monitoring of hematological parameters is essential. |
| 16-20 kg | 200 mg to 250 mg | Every 6 hours | Calculated at 50 mg/kg/day. Complete blood counts should be performed every 2-3 days. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of serious and life-threatening bacterial infections such as typhoid fever, bacterial meningitis, and rickettsial infections, particularly when other less toxic antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated.
Generic Name
ChloramphenicolScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.