Chloramphenicol Injection
Chloramphenicol Injection is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used intravenously for serious bacterial infections when safer alternatives are not effective.
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand
The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 1 clinical label set within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →
⚠️ FDA Boxed Warning — the FDA’s strongest safety alert ▾
Chloramphenicol can cause life-threatening blood disorders, including aplastic anemia — a condition where the bone marrow stops producing blood cells. These reactions can occur after short-term or long-term treatment and can be fatal. Some cases of aplastic anemia linked to chloramphenicol have later developed into leukemia. Because of these dangers, this drug must only be used for serious infections where safer options won't work — never for minor infections like colds, flu, or sore throats, and never just to prevent infection. Blood counts must be monitored throughout treatment. Hospitalization during therapy is strongly recommended so patients can be properly observed.
📖 Chloramphenicol Injection: Patient Information Guide
A plain-language walkthrough of Chloramphenicol Injection — what it treats, how it works, how it’s taken, side effects, warnings and interactions. Tap any section to expand it.
🎯What it's used for▾
Chloramphenicol Injection is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used intravenously for serious bacterial infections that cannot be safely treated with other antibiotics. It is used only when safer alternatives are not effective.
- Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate Injection is used to treat serious infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae
- Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate Injection is used to treat infections caused by Salmonella species, including Salmonella typhi (typhoid fever)
- Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate Injection is used to treat infections caused by Rickettsia (a type of bacteria spread by ticks and mites)
- Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate Injection is used to treat infections caused by the lymphogranuloma-psittacosis group of organisms
- It must not be used for minor infections (colds, flu, sore throat) or as a preventive antibiotic
⚙️How it works▾
Chloramphenicol works by interfering with how bacteria build proteins. Specifically, it blocks the transfer of amino acids (protein building blocks) to the ribosome — the cell's protein-making machinery. Without the ability to produce essential proteins, bacteria cannot grow or multiply. This effect is mainly bacteriostatic, meaning it stops bacteria from reproducing rather than directly killing them.
Chloramphenicol penetrates well into body fluids, including the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid around the brain and spinal cord), even when there is no meningitis (brain lining inflammation). It is active against a broad range of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
💊How it's taken▾
Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate is given intravenously — into a vein — by a healthcare professional. It is not a medication you administer at home. Treatment typically takes place in a hospital, where your blood can be monitored regularly.
- Your prescriber will determine how often doses are given based on your infection and condition
- Do not adjust or skip doses without talking to your care team
- Blood tests are required throughout treatment — do not miss these appointments
🤒Side effects — in detail▾
Like all antibiotics, chloramphenicol can cause side effects — some minor, some serious.
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Mouth sores (glossitis or stomatitis)
- Headache
- Mild depression, mental confusion, or delirium
- Fever or skin rash
- Hives or swelling (allergic reaction)
The most dangerous side effects involve the blood and bone marrow (aplastic anemia, dangerously low blood cell counts) — these can appear weeks or even months after treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you feel unusually tired, bruise easily, or notice any unexpected bleeding.
⚠️Warnings & precautions▾
- Bone marrow depression and aplastic anemia: The most serious risk is that chloramphenicol can damage the bone marrow, leading to aplastic anemia — a potentially fatal condition where the body can't make enough blood cells. This can be irreversible and can occur even after short-term use.
- Risk of leukemia: Some cases of aplastic anemia linked to this drug have later progressed to leukemia.
- Gray syndrome in newborns: Premature babies and newborns are at risk of a serious toxic reaction called gray syndrome, which can cause abdominal swelling, bluish-gray skin, circulatory collapse, and death. This has also occurred in an infant whose mother received chloramphenicol during labor.
- Optic and peripheral neuritis: Nerve damage affecting vision or sensation in the limbs has been reported, especially with long-term use. Stop the drug and contact your doctor if this occurs.
- Blood monitoring: Regular blood counts are required throughout therapy. Even so, testing cannot always detect bone marrow damage before aplastic anemia develops.
- Hospitalization recommended: Because of the serious risks, patients should ideally be hospitalized during treatment.
🔀What it interacts with▾
Chloramphenicol has an important drug interaction to be aware of during treatment.
- Other bone marrow-suppressing drugs: Taking other medications that can reduce bone marrow activity at the same time as chloramphenicol significantly raises the risk of life-threatening blood disorders. Your doctor needs to know all medications you are taking before starting this drug.
This is not a complete list of interactions. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
📋Before taking it▾
- Previous allergic or toxic reaction to chloramphenicol: Do not use this drug if you have ever had a hypersensitivity or toxic reaction to it — it is contraindicated.
- Minor infections or prevention: Chloramphenicol must not be used for colds, flu, sore throats, or to prevent bacterial infections.
- Newborns and premature infants: This population is at high risk of the potentially fatal gray syndrome; use requires extreme caution and close monitoring.
- Pregnancy and labor: The drug crosses the placenta. Newborns of mothers given chloramphenicol during labor must be watched for signs of gray syndrome.
- Breastfeeding: Chloramphenicol is detected in breast milk; discuss with your doctor before use.
- Concurrent bone marrow-suppressing medications: Tell your doctor about all medications — combining drugs that suppress bone marrow increases serious risk.
- Ongoing blood monitoring: You must have regular blood tests throughout treatment; this is not optional.
📡Pharmacodynamics — effects in the body▾
Chloramphenicol exerts mainly a bacteriostatic effect — it stops bacteria from reproducing rather than killing them directly — against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It distributes throughout the body, reaching high concentrations in the liver and kidney, and lower but still measurable concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, saliva, breast milk, and eye fluids.
🔬Pharmacokinetics — how your body processes it▾
Chloramphenicol distributes rapidly throughout the body after administration, though distribution is not uniform — concentrations are highest in the liver and kidneys and lowest in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid. It does cross into the cerebrospinal fluid even without meningitis, reaching about half the blood concentration. The drug also crosses the placenta, appearing in cord blood at somewhat lower levels than in maternal blood. Most of the drug is excreted in the urine, primarily as inactive metabolites, with a smaller portion as active (free) chloramphenicol.
📦How to store it▾
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) .
📄 Written from Chloramphenicol Injection’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Every point is grounded in that labeling — nothing is invented. How we use AI →
Supplements & herbs that interact with Chloramphenicol Injection
32 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Chloramphenicol Injection in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.
- Moderate · 30
- Minor · 2
Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.
Nutrient depletion considerations
Chloramphenicol Injection has been associated with lower levels of 8 nutrients in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.
- Higher significance · 6
- Moderate · 2
Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.
🩺 Pharmacist Counseling Corner
Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Chloramphenicol Injection — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.
Why is this antibiotic only used for serious infections? Why not just use it for any bacterial infection? ▾
What is aplastic anemia, and how would I know if I was developing it? ▾
I'll be in the hospital during treatment — why can't I just take this at home? ▾
Are there any medicines I should avoid while on chloramphenicol? ▾
Is this medication safe during pregnancy or if I'm breastfeeding? ▾
What is 'gray syndrome' and should I be worried about it? ▾
Is Chloramphenicol Injection available over the counter? ▾
When was Chloramphenicol Injection first available? ▾
💬 Answers drafted from Chloramphenicol Injection’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Grounded in that labeling — nothing is made up. How we use AI →
🧰 Keep exploring
💊 How Chloramphenicol Injection comes
Chloramphenicol Injection is available in 1 form. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.
Injection
How this form is used
- Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate is used intravenously to treat serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella typhi (typhoid fever), Rickettsia, and the lymphogranuloma-psittacosis group
- Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate is used only when less dangerous antibiotics are not effective
- Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate is administered directly into a vein (intravenously) by a healthcare professional
- Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate therapy requires regular blood tests throughout treatment to monitor for blood cell changes
- Hospitalization during Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate treatment is strongly recommended to allow close monitoring
📊 Chloramphenicol Injection across the U.S. market
How Chloramphenicol Injection appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.
📈 How widely Chloramphenicol Injection is used
A general measure of how commonly Chloramphenicol Injection is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.
Think of this as a proxy for how widely Chloramphenicol Injection is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.
How commonly is Chloramphenicol Injection prescribed? Of the 1,596 medications we measure, Chloramphenicol Injection ranks #1,559 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 2% of them.
Utilization by Chloramphenicol Injection product
Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.
chloramphenicol 100 MG/ML Injectable Solution
Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 239200
Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.
Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Chloramphenicol Injection, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 1 of 1 listed Chloramphenicol Injection NDCs with Medicaid activity.
🔍 Compare Chloramphenicol Injection products
A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Chloramphenicol Injection — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)
| Strength | Route | Manufacturer / Labeler | Category ⓘ | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💊Injection | ||||
| 1 g/10 mL | Intravenous | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC × 2 listings | ANDA | View NDC → |
Showing 2 of 2 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 2 Chloramphenicol Injection NDCs →
📈 What people report — real-world data (FDA FAERS)
After a medicine reaches the market, patients, doctors and drugmakers can send the FDA reports of problems they think may be linked to it. Here’s what’s been reported for Chloramphenicol Injection — a signal of what to watch for, not proof the drug caused it.
Source: openFDA, from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). These are voluntary reports — they don’t prove the drug caused the effect, and counts reflect how often something was reported, not how often it actually happens. Reports also often name the very problem the medicine is taken for — a common reason to file one is that the drug didn’t help — so for a pain reliever you may see “pain” high on the list; that points to why the report was filed, not to the drug causing the symptom. This counts every report that lists Chloramphenicol Injection in any role, so the total runs higher than the FDA’s official dashboard, which counts only cases where the drug is the suspect. For the authoritative figures, see the FDA FAERS Public Dashboard. Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
🏛️ The road to your pharmacy
How Chloramphenicol Injection went from FDA review to the pharmacy shelf — the key milestones in its regulatory journey.
Source: Drugs@FDA.
🚨 Recall history
A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.
Source: openFDA drug enforcement (recall) reports.
RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength
This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.
RxCUI 2348 10 dose forms · 13 strengths
-
Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Solution RxCUI 370500In current FDA listingsClinical drug / strength (SCD) 100 MG/MLRxCUI 239200 -
Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Ointment RxCUI 95104No current FDA listingClinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.01 MG/MGRxCUI 309172 -
Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Solution RxCUI 371377No current FDA listingClinical drug / strength (SCD) 2.5 MG/MLRxCUI 2455815 MG/MLRxCUI 309174 -
Dose form (SCDF) Oral Capsule RxCUI 371376No current FDA listingClinical drug / strength (SCD) 250 MGRxCUI 197463 -
Dose form (SCDF) Oral Solution RxCUI 371380No current FDA listing -
Dose form (SCDF) Oral Suspension RxCUI 371379No current FDA listingClinical drug / strength (SCD) 25 MG/MLRxCUI 105265 -
Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 371381No current FDA listingClinical drug / strength (SCD) 250 MGRxCUI 252338500 MGRxCUI 2526711000 MGRxCUI 1232971 -
Dose form (SCDF) Otic Solution RxCUI 371378No current FDA listingClinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG/MLRxCUI 20469950 MG/MLRxCUI 250653100 MG/MLRxCUI 250652 -
Dose form (SCDF) Topical Cream RxCUI 377640No current FDA listing -
Dose form (SCDF) Topical Ointment RxCUI 393150No current FDA listingClinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.01 MG/MGRxCUI 251704
Look up RxCUI 2348 in the RxCUI Atlas →
RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.
📦 Supply & shortage status
Whether Chloramphenicol Injection is in short supply in the U.S. right now, plus any shortage history the FDA has on record. A shortage usually reflects a manufacturing or demand issue — not a safety problem with the drug.
Source: openFDA, from the FDA Drug Shortages database.
🏷️ Sold under these brand names
🏭 Manufacturers & labelers
RxNorm drug class
Chloramphenicol Injection belongs to the Amphenicol-class Antibacterial class.
Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.
🔬 Where this comes from
Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.
How we combine label and product data
HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records; we don’t author the underlying clinical facts. We identified 1 FDA-filed SPL label set within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. The representative label is the starting point for the displayed reference monograph; the 12 largest stored in-scope SPL records, which may include that representative, are compared section by section, and the longest available version of each section is retained. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, product-listed strengths, and product-record counts are aggregated separately from ingredient-matched FDA NDC Directory records; package records listed above are associated with the linked SPL; and the normalized concept hierarchy comes from NLM RxNorm.
Where a section is identified as AI-written, its plain-language text is generated from bounded label evidence. New draft drug pages remain in the admin review queue before first publication. Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates; it is not the sole source used for the page.
This is general education, not medical advice — always consult your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any medical condition. For the exact wording of the linked representative label, view that label on DailyMed; some displayed composite sections may come from other in-scope SPL labels. Learn how we use AI and our data sources & update cadence.