Long-acting oily chloramphenicol injectable

Therapeutic action

Phenicol antibacterial, with prolonged effect.

Indications

Treatment of meningococcal meningitis during epidemics.

Forms and strengths, route of administration

500 mg oily suspension in 2 ml ampoule (250 mg/ml) for IM injection only.

Dosage

Child over 2 years and adult: 100 mg/kg single dose (max. 3 g per dose).

• 2 to under 6 years, 13 to under 21 kg: 1.5 g (6 ml).
• 6 to under 10 years, 21 to under 31 kg: 2 g (8 ml).
• 10 to under 15 years, 31 to under 54 kg: 2.5 g (10 ml).
• 15 years and over and adult, 54 kg and over: 3 g (12 ml).
• If necessary, administer half the dose into each buttock.

Duration

Single dose. If there is no improvement after 24 hours, a second dose may be administered.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer to patients with history of allergic reaction or bone marrow depression during a previous treatment with chloramphenicol, or with G6PD deficiency.
• May cause dose-related haematological toxicity, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and peripheral or optic neuropathies.
• Avoid or monitor combination with potentially haematotoxic drugs such as carbamazepine, co-trimoxazole, flucytosine, pyrimethamine, and zidovudine.
• Pregnancy: contraindicated.
• Breast-feeding: contraindicated.