Kemicetine

How does it work?

Chloramphenicol is a powerful antibiotic with the ability to kill a wide variety of bacteria. It interferes with the production of proteins that the bacteria need to multiply and divide. This inhibits the ability of the bacteria to grow (bacteriostatic) and therefore stops the spread of the infection. Chloramphenicol has the potential to cause serious side effects when given by mouth or injection, therefore its use is reserved for life threatening infections.

What is it used for?

Haemophilus influenzae infection

Severe infections

Typhoid

Warning!

It is recommended that regular blood tests are performed to check levels of the blood components.

The amount of the medicine in the blood of newborn babies should be checked to avoid adverse effects.

Use with caution in

Avoid prolonged use

Decreased kidney function

Liver disease

Not to be used in

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Rash

Diarrhoea

Visual disturbances

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Nausea and vomiting

Blood disorders which may be serious

Newborn babies with immature liver function can get a serious side effect where the skin develops a grey colour and there is circulatory collapse (Grey syndrome)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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