Substance / Medication

Chloramphenicol

Overview

Active Ingredient
chloramphenicol
RxNorm CUI
2348

Indications

Boxed Warning Chloramphenicol should be used only in those serious infections for which less potentially dangerous drugs are ineffective or contraindicated. Bacteriological studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their sensitivity to chloramphenicol (see). Chloromycetin Ophthalmic Ointment, 1% (Chloramphenicol Ophthalmic Ointment, USP) is indicated for the treatment of surface ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by chloramphenicol-suscept

Labeler: PARKE-DAVISUpdated: 2006-10-08T00:00:00.000ZFull label on DailyMed

Boxed Warning

FDA Black Box Warning

WARNING Bone marrow hypoplasia including aplastic anemia and death has been reported following topical application of chloramphenicol. Chloramphenicol should not be used when less potentially dangerous agents would be expected to provide effective treatment.

Contraindications

When this intervention should not be used

This product is contraindicated in persons sensitive to any of its components.

Indications & Related Conditions

Conditions associated via SNOMED clinical relationships

Administration & Protocol

Dosing, route, and treatment protocol

Detailed dosage and administration information is available in the full FDA drug label.

View full prescribing information on DailyMed

Monitoring & Follow-Up

Biomarkers relevant to this intervention via related conditions

No monitoring biomarkers have been mapped yet. Biomarker-intervention linkages are derived through related conditions and will expand as the knowledge graph grows.

Clinical Trials

2 trials linked to this intervention

2
Total Trials
1
Recruiting
0
With Results

Research Evidence

Published studies and systematic reviews

Sort:
The public health impact of making chloramphenicol an over-the-counter antibiotic: a systematic literature review.
Yung Chun Hin, Chow Shing Chuen, Buchan John et al. · Int Ophthalmol · 2025
PMID: 41160219Meta-Analysis
Effect of disinfection and tissue repair with chloramphenicol-tetracycline-ZOE paste on pulp therapy of primary teeth: a systematic review.
Souza José Antonio Santos, de Oliveira Alves Renata, de Toledo Priscila Toninatto Alves et al. · Clin Oral Investig · 2025
PMID: 41047436Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and adverse effects of topical chloramphenicol ointment use for surgical wounds: a systematic review.
Shen Amanda Y, Haddad Elie J, Hunter-Smith David J et al. · ANZ J Surg · 2018
PMID: 29573103Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and safety of chloramphenicol: joining the revival of old antibiotics? Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Eliakim-Raz Noa, Lador Adi, Leibovici-Weissman Yaara et al. · J Antimicrob Chemother · 2015
PMID: 25583746Meta-Analysis
Distribution of chloramphenicol to tissues, plasma and urine in pigs after oral intake of low doses.
Aspenström-Fagerlund Bitte, Nordkvist Erik, Törnkvist Anna et al. · Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess · 2016
PMID: 27385382RCT
Chloramphenicol eye drops in the treatment of conditions indicative of maxillary sinusitis.
Nielsen Iris Relling, Seim Arnfinn, Bentzen Niels · Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen · 2013
PMID: 24172626RCT
Gatifloxacin versus chloramphenicol for uncomplicated enteric fever: an open-label, randomised, controlled trial.
Arjyal Amit, Basnyat Buddha, Koirala Samir et al. · Lancet Infect Dis · 2011
PMID: 21531174RCTFull text (PMC)

Research data from MEDLINE/PubMed

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

Benefits, expected outcomes, efficacy data, and NNT (Number Needed to Treat) are pending physician authorship and evidence review.

Risks & Side Effects

Adverse reaction and safety data for this drug is sourced from the FDA-approved label.

View adverse reactions & drug interactions on DailyMed

Related Symptoms

Symptoms associated with conditions this intervention addresses

No related symptoms have been mapped yet. Symptom linkages are derived through associated conditions.

Alternatives & Comparisons

Alternative treatments, comparison data, and clinical decision support are pending physician authorship.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment plan.

Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.

Quick Facts

Type
Substance / Medication
Fully Specified Name
Chloramphenicol (substance)
SNOMED CT
372777009
UMLS CUI
C0008168
RxNorm CUI
2348
Labeler
PARKE-DAVIS

Clinical Data

This intervention maps to 10 entities in the Healos knowledge graph.

10
Conditions
0
Biomarkers
0
Specialists
0
Symptoms
2
Clinical Trials

Data is sourced from SNOMED CT, UMLS, and the Healos clinical knowledge graph. Content sections marked as pending require physician authorship. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment.