Chloramphenicol Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum, or Lactobacillus acidophilusmay help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.

• Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count can rarely occur.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.

• A small number of people may develop low blood pressure or increased acid in the blood.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Severe diarrhea, even after medicine is stopped.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.