Bacterial infections may vary based on the type of the attacking microbe and based on your body. Your immune system often erects a barrier against possible threats of such microbial invasions. However, there is a large variety of bacteria, and each can attack in a unique manner. So, there are many ways by which bacterial strands can cause an infection. Drugs belonging to a class of meds known as antibiotics are commonly administered to treat bacterial infections. Chloramphenicol is one among such antimicrobial drugs. But, you need to know against which microbes this drug is more effective; this awareness is needed prior to starting your medication plan.
It is a common thing to be infected by a bacterial strand. But, no two strands are the same. There are also harmless strands of this microbe; for example – friendly bacteria help boost your digestive health and also can help your system to stay protected from likely bacterial infections. The typical symptoms of a bacterial invasion include swelling, pain, discoloration of the affected part / organ, etc. In general, these infections can impair the capability of affected organ to function. The key causes behind a bacterial attack include consuming infested foods and water, residing / working in an infected ambience as well as getting closer to people who are already infested by a microbe.
Upon exposed to any of the possibilities listed above, the risks of infection is quite sizable. However, if you are living with a compromised immunity level, the risks may only turn higher. Tests done on samples of blood may reveal presence of microbial infections. It has been observed that the count of white blood cells – WBC – multiply to a very high level when your body is infected. Your doctor may advise a battery of blood tests to identify such anomalies; key among such tests is a procedure known as complete blood count (popularly referred to as CBC).
Chloramphenicol and its use as an antibacterial medicine
A family of drugs known as antibiotics is largely administered for the treatment of microbial infections – especially, those caused by bacteria. Drugs of this genre are used to both treat as well as prevent infections. These drugs are known to control the progression of microbes by rupturing their walls or by collapsing the DNA of harmful cells. You need to know that antibiotics such as chloramphenicol do not work against other forms of microbes such as say, viral or fungal attacks. In cases of a viral strand, drugs belonging to a class known as antiviral medications are widely administered.
Chloramphenicol is used to treat infections caused by a wide range of bacteria. One of the most popular uses of this chemical is to arrest infections in your eye. For this application, it is made available in the form of an eye drop or an ointment. Other uses of chloramphenicol include treatment of plague, fever caused due to an onset of typhoid, cholera as well as brain conditions such as meningitis. Among medical conditions in the eyes, this drug is known to manage infections caused by bacteria alone – i.e., it is rendered ineffective when administered onto other types of infections in the eyes.
Use of eye drops or ointments based on chloramphenicol
It is essential to wash your hands prior to handling this medicine. Also, never let the top of the dispenser or tube to get in touch with your eyes. You are advised to pull down the lower eyelid and apply a small strip of the cream / ointment. In case of drops, use the med as advised by your treating doctor or a pharmacist. Once you have administered a dose of chloramphenicol, never take or use other drugs for at least 15 minutes.
Your treating doctor may tell you to use this eye medicine at the same timeslot all through the treatment plan. This is a good practice and is known to fetch better results over a relatively shorter period of time. Soon after applying the drug onto the eye, you are likely to experience discoloration of eyes or a burning feeling accompanied by a blurring of eyesight. These are often temporary side effects; however, if these discomforts continue for long, you are advised to take medical attention on an emergency mode.
Eye ointment based on chloramphenicol is unlikely to cause any major side effects. Also, it is important to remember that your doctor has prescribed this eye medicine as its benefits outweigh the risks of likely side effects. Serious discomforts include permanent changes in your eyesight and other vision related problems. In some rare cases, a few users have experienced allergic conditions such as swelling of nose, lips or tongue; in a few people, extreme level of drowsiness / dizziness has been observed. Some users have complained of breathing difficulties including suffocation, gasping, etc.
Upon noticing any of the above side effects, you need to seek medical attention as quickly as you possibly can. Those who are in the US can reach out to 911 for emergency help; you may also consider calling the 24-hour helpline of the FDA. If you are a Canadian resident, call Health Canada or contact a poison control center located in your province. Above all, always remember that the abovementioned does not feature the entire list of possible side effects. Hence, it is likely to witness a few side effects that are not provided above. In case you notice any new or unknown side effects, quickly consult with your medical team or take clinical support urgently.
Precautions associated with the administration of this antibacterial medicine
This drug needs to be applied / administered (often through an injectable form) under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner. This drug is extremely harmful to newly born babies or babies born in a premature manner. Babies born to mothers who took this drug during labor can develop very adverse or serious conditions like inflammation of tummy, respiratory problems such as gasping for breath or wheezing and discoloration of the skin (it may turn blue).
Owing to these reasons, the US-based drug approving authority – Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has classified this medication as a category-C drug. This means – the adverse effects of this drug on women who are pregnant are not fully evidenced. Hence, pregnant women (and also, women who are planning to become pregnant) must stay cautious while using this drug. Those who are planning to get pregnant are advised to use effective birth control measures (such as vaginal rings, skin patches or other non-hormonal measures) to avoid unplanned pregnancies. The active ingredients present in chloramphenicol can get into breastmilk. So, those who are nursing a newly born infant or breastfeeding their baby must never take this antibacterial drug. Nursing mothers who consumed this drug may witness adverse signs like wheezing or shortness of respiratory cycles in their baby.
In sum, chloramphenicol is an antibiotic drug. It is administered – under clinical supervision – to treat infections of a broad range of bacteria – i.e., both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Its popular use is to control bacterial infections caused in your eyes. Chloramphenicol is also used in the case management and treatment of very adverse / severe conditions like typhoid, meningitis, cholera, plague, etc. However, this drug is known only for it capabilities to limit infections caused by bacteria only. It is never / seldom used for infections triggered by virus or other microbial organisms.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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