Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Chloramphenicol

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Updated March 5, 2024 - 2:37pm

Alternate Name(s): 
Classification: 
Antibiotic
Original Date: 
March 1992
Revised Date: 
Indications: 
  • Severe infections due to susceptible organisms which are resistant to standard therapy
Administration: 
  • IV direct: over 3 - 5 minutes
  • IV intermittent infusion: over 30 - 60 minutes
Dosage: 
  • < 1.2 kg: 0 - 4 weeks: 25 mg/kg/day once  daily
  • 1.2 -  2 kg: 25 mg/kg/day once daily
  • >  2 kg:
    • 0 - 7 days: 25 mg/kg/day once daily
    • > 7 days: 50 mg/kg/day divided Q12h
Side Effects: 
  • Hematologic: reversible bone marrow suppression (dose related), irreversible aplastic anemia (idiosyncratic)
  • Miscellaneaous: gray baby syndrome (associated with high drug levels), abdominal distension, cyanosis, vasomotor collapse, death
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • Therapeutic drug levels:
    • Peak (60 minutes after end of iv infusion): 15 - 25 mg/L
  • CBC, unusual bruising/bleeding
  • Periodic liver and renal function tests
Reconstitution and Stability: 

N/A

Compatibility: 

- Solutions Compatible: dextrose, 0.9 % NaCl, dextrose-saline combinations

- Y-site Compatible: calcium chloride, dopamine, heparin, KCl

Notes: 
References: 

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