6 must-know Adverse Effects of Chloramphenicol overdose

Antibiotics like chloramphenicol are helpful for treating a variety of bacterial illnesses. One such antibiotic is chloramphenicol. This involves an application to the eyes as a conjunctivitis treatment ointment. Plague, meningitis, typhoid, as well as cholera fever, can all be treated with it, and the medication can be either orally or injected into a vein. It is only recommended to orally consume Chloramphenicol manufactured and supplied by a distinct Chloramphenicol supplier in Vadodara, Centurion Healthcare or administer it intravenously in situations where it is not advisable to use antibiotics. During treatment, it is recommended to do once every two days monitoring of both the medicinal blood levels as well as the levels of blood cells.

 

The inhibition of bone marrow, nausea, and diarrhea are typical adverse effects of this medication. Suppression of bone marrow production can lead to death. The period of treatment should be shortened as much as feasible in order to lower the chance of adverse effects. People who have difficulties with their liver or kidneys could require lesser doses. It's possible for young children to develop a condition known as a grey baby syndrome, which manifests itself with symptoms including low blood pressure as well as a bloated stomach. It is generally not recommended to use this medication during the later stages of pregnancy or during breastfeeding. Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic with a wide spectrum of activity that, in most cases, inhibits the development of bacteria by preventing the formation of proteins. 

In 1947, the antibiotic chloramphenicol was found after it had been extracted from Streptomyces venezuelae. In 1949, the chemical structure of chloramphenicol was deduced, and the compound was manufactured for the first time. It is considered an essential medicine by WHO and is included on their list.

Adverse effects:

The adverse effects of consuming Chloramphenicol in excess are mentioned below by one of the excellent Chloramphenicol capsules suppliers in Gujarat, India;

●     Aplastic anemia

●     Bone marrow suppression

●     Leukemia

●     Grey baby syndrome

●     Hypersensitivity reactions

●     Neurotoxic reactions

 -      Aplastic anemia:

Aplastic anemia is the most alarming adverse effect of chloramphenicol overdose. Sometimes lethal, this consequence occurs seldom. In light of the severity of the risks associated with AA, it is imperative that viable substitutes be explored. Though treatments exist, they come at a high price. There is currently no method to predict who, if anyone, may experience this adverse consequence. There may be a hereditary component to the effect, which manifests itself within a couple of months after discontinuing the treatment. However, it is recommended that patients have a baseline blood count and repeat blood counts every few days while on therapy in case monitoring the patient’s blood levels can avoid the development of aplastic anemia. If your complete blood count declines, your treatment with chloramphenicol should end. Chloramphenicol eye drops have the lowest risk compared to the oral form.

-      Suppression of Bone marrow:

Treatment with chloramphenicol may result in bone marrow suppression due to the drug's direct harmful impact on human mitochondria. Once a 20g cumulative dose has been administered, the first sign of this impact is a decrease in hemoglobin levels, which happens rather consistently. When the medicine is no longer being taken, the anemia completely disappears, and there is no risk of permanent damage to red blood cells that might lead to aplastic anemia. Based on animal research, chloramphenicol's harmful effects on bone marrow may be exacerbated by preexisting damage to the tissue.

-      Leukemia:

An abnormal increase in immature white blood cells is a hallmark of leukemia, a malignancy of the bone marrow or blood. Chinese case-control research has shown that the longer a child is on treatment for cancer, the greater their risk of developing leukemia.

-      Grey baby syndrome:

The so-called "grey baby syndrome" has been linked to the intravenous usage of chloramphenicol. The lack of completely functional liver enzymes in newborns causes this condition, therefore the antibiotic chloramphenicol cannot be digested. The results of this are multiple, including low blood pressure and cyanosis. By taking the medication as prescribed and keeping an eye on blood levels, this disease can be avoided.

-      Hypersensitivity reactions:

Potential side effects include fever, rash (both maculopapular and vesicular), hives, angioedema, urticaria, and anaphylaxis. Treatment for typhoid fever has been associated with cases of Herxheimer responses.

-      Neurotoxic reactions:

People on chloramphenicol have reported side effects such as headaches, moderate sadness, mental confusion, and delirium. There have been reports of optic and peripheral neuritis, most commonly after prolonged treatment. In such a case, the medication must be discontinued immediately. 

Hence to avoid such adverse effects of Chloramphenicol overdose, consume Chloramphenicol as prescribed by your physician. If you are a stockiest looking to place a bulk order for Chloramphenicol, look no further than Centurion Healthcare - the most trusted Chloramphenicol supplier in Gujarat.