Chloramphenicol
Also known as: Chloromycetin, Chloroptic, Kemicetine, Minims, Optrex, Chlorogen
> **CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING:** Chloramphenicol can cause a rare but fatal blood disorder (aplastic anemia) in humans. * **Handling:** You **must wear gloves** when applying this medication. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Avoid any contact with your skin, eyes, or mouth. * **Application:** Apply exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not touch the tip of the tube or bottle to the eye. * **Restrictions:** Never use this medication in animals intended for food.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Established corneal infection
- Ophthalmic infections
- Systemic infections
- CNS infections
- Prophylaxis following surgery or Mycoplasma/chlamydial conjunctivitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Fatal aplastic anemia in humans (exposure risk)
- Local irritation (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Food-producing animals
- Known hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol
- **Human Toxicity Warning:** Chloramphenicol exposure in humans has resulted in fatal aplastic anemia. Use with extreme caution. Clients must use appropriate safeguards (e.g., wearing gloves) when applying the drug and avoid contact with drops or solutions. Must not be used in any food-producing animal.
Drug interactions
- Pentobarbital: Irreversible inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 increases plasma levels of pentobarbital. Recovery takes up to 3 weeks.
- Phenobarbital: Irreversible inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 increases plasma levels of phenobarbital. Recovery takes up to 3 weeks.
- Propofol: Irreversible inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 increases plasma levels of propofol. Recovery takes up to 3 weeks.
- Oral hypoglycaemic agents: Irreversible inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 increases plasma levels of hypoglycaemics.
- Rifampin: Accelerates the metabolism of chloramphenicol, decreasing serum levels.
- Aminoglycosides: Chloramphenicol may inhibit the bactericidal activity of aminoglycosides.
- Beta-lactams: Chloramphenicol may inhibit the bactericidal activity of beta-lactams.
- Macrolides: May competitively inhibit macrolide antimicrobials at the 50S ribosomal subunit.
- Lincosamides: May competitively inhibit lincosamide antimicrobials at the 50S ribosomal subunit.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chloramphenicol used for in pets?
> **CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING:** Chloramphenicol can cause a rare but fatal blood disorder (aplastic anemia) in humans. * **Handling:** You **must wear gloves** when applying this medication. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Avoid any contact with your skin, eyes, or mouth. * **Application:** Apply exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not touch the tip of the tube or bottle to the eye. * **Restrictions:** Never use this medication in animals intended for food.
Is Chloramphenicol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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