Chloramphenicol refers to antibacterial agents that are effective in combating many diseases. The drug has proven effective in treating eye infections and is also used in pediatrics. It has different forms of release.
Material Content:
Forms of release, composition
Levomycetin is identical to the natural substance chloramphenicol, which is considered a bacterial product.
The drug is available in the following forms:
- in tablets;
- in alcohol solution;
- in external ointment;
- in eye drops;
- in powders for injection.
The active component of chloramphenicol is considered synthetic chloramphenicol. The tablet form contains 0.5, 0.25 g of active ingredient.
In addition, the tablets consist of the following auxiliary ingredients:
- potato starch;
- stearic acid;
- calcium.
Tablets are available in cartons of 10 pcs. in a blister.
Levomycetin eye drops consist of 2.5 mg of chloramphenicol and the following inactive components:
- purified water;
- boric acid.
Drops are packed in bottles of 10 ml, 5 ml.
In addition to the active component, chloramphenicol in the form of an external solution contains 70% ethyl alcohol.
Chloramphenicol ointment consists of an active component and excipients:
- alcohol;
- methyluracil;
- petroleum jelly;
- propylene glycol.
Pharmacological action, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Chloramphenicol is known as an antibiotic that has been proven to be effective against many gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria. It is widely used to treat purulent processes, microorganisms that infect the wound surface.
As a result of its use, there is a violation of the synthesis of protein of bacteria, which leads to their death. The process of formation of new epithelial cells is accelerated.
As a result of treatment with chloramphenicol, the following actions are determined:
- the cause of the pathological process is eliminated, pathogens are destroyed;
- The inflammatory process of acute and chronic currents is stopped;
- blood circulation is normalized, inflammatory foci resolve, swelling is relieved;
- pain is eliminated, skin irritation is removed.
Due to the action of the active component, there is an improvement in blood circulation in the affected area. Recovery is accelerated by tissue regeneration. The drug has not been proven effective against acid-resistant microorganisms, protozoa.
Levomycetin tablets quickly disintegrate in the intestine, penetrate the bloodstream, getting into all body tissues. Metabolism occurs in the liver. The main part of the drug is excreted through the urinary system. A small percentage is secreted through bile. The elimination half-life of chloramphenicol occurs in 3 hours.
Why is Levomycetin prescribed?
Levomycetin in tablet form is prescribed for the infectious process, which is caused by bacteria that are sensitive to the active component.
The drug is prescribed to combat the following diseases:
- salmonellosis;
- meningitis
- pneumonia
- typhoid fever;
- chlamydia
- sepsis
- peritonitis;
- dysentery;
- whooping cough;
- osteomyelitis;
- brucellosis.
Widely used chloramphenicol from diarrhea of a different nature.
Chloramphenicol in solution is used to combat the following conditions:
- boils;
- wound surface;
- pressure sores;
- burn conditions;
- ulcerative lesions of the skin.
The use of the drug in drops is widely known in the treatment of many eye diseases:
- blepharitis;
- keratitis;
- scleritis;
- conjunctivitis;
- episcleritis.
Instructions for use and dosage
The instructions describe in detail the method of use of this drug, which depends on the form of the drug, the age of the patient.
Levomycetin 250 and 500 mg tablets
Reception of Levomycetinum in tablets does not depend on the use of food. But if the drug is taken on an empty stomach, it is possible to develop attacks of nausea. It is important to drink tablets with a large volume of clean water. The dose of medication is selected by the attending physician individually, based on the type of disease, the age limit. For adults, a dosage of 500 mg is prescribed, for children - 250 mg.
Usually, the following tablet form is administered:
- up to 3 years the dosage is calculated - per 1 kg of the child’s weight accounts for 15 mg of the drug;
- up to 8 years is assigned 1 table. a dose of 250 mg three times a day;
- from 8 years old it is allowed to take from 400 mg three times;
- adults are prescribed 1 tablet. a dose of 500 mg three times.
The maximum dosage for adults should not exceed 2 g per day. It is important to observe a 6-hour interval between doses.
Possible dose adjustment of chloramphenicol, based on the type of disease, its severity. Usually the therapeutic course lasts 7 days. But if there is a need, then its extension is possible.
Solution for external use
Chloramphenicol in the form of an external solution with caution is prescribed up to 2 years. The affected surface is treated with a cotton pad. It is possible to apply the solution directly to the affected area. You can put compress paper on the damaged area. Usually the dressing is changed every other day.In some cases, you can replace after 3 days. Continue until the wound is completely clean. It affects the duration of treatment, from which an external solution of Levomycetin is used.
On a note! If after 3 days there is no improvement, it is recommended to consult a doctor. You may need to replace the antibacterial drug.
Eye drops 0.25%
Apply eye drops with well-washed hands. Before application, the bottle is shaken. Chloramphenicol is buried in the conjunctival sac. It is important to remember that this drug belongs to antibiotics, therefore it can be used only after consulting a doctor.
It is usually recommended to instill in each eye one drop three times. With one hand, the eyelid is pulled as low as possible. The bottle should be brought to the eye without touching the eyeball. After squeezing one drop, you need to blink. Only then proceed with the processing of the second eye. If the condition does not improve after 3 days of use, then the administration of drops should be discontinued. It is important to get medical advice.
During pregnancy and lactation
Chloramphenicol of any form is prohibited for pregnant and lactating women. Since the medicine refers to rather complex antibiotics that easily penetrate the placental barrier. Further, it accumulates in the fetus and can cause sudden infant death syndrome. In infants, the skin and mucous membranes acquire a gray tint, the temperature drops sharply. For the same reason, medication is not allowed during breastfeeding.
Important! If there is a need to appoint Levomycetin to a nursing mother, then it is recommended to transfer the child to the milk mixture or to replace the drug for the woman.
Drug interaction
Before starting treatment with chloramphenicol, you should carefully familiarize yourself with how the medication interacts with other groups of medicines.
- simultaneous administration with sulfonamides, cytostatics contributes to an increase in the number of side effects;
- parallel use with alcohol-containing drugs should not be allowed, since the risk of toxic substances accumulating by the liver increases;
- concomitant administration with diabetic drugs can cause a drop in blood sugar;
- when using chloramphenicol and other antibiotics, there is a decrease in the effectiveness of the latest medications;
- combination with erythromycin weakens the effectiveness of drugs in both groups.
Contraindications, side effects and overdose
It is forbidden to use chloramphenicol if:
- hypersensitivity to the active substance;
- pathology of the blood;
- renal failure;
- glucose deficiency;
- severe liver pathology;
- pregnancy of any trimester;
- fungal skin diseases.
Important! The appointment of Levomycetin in any form for children under 2 years of age is contraindicated.
As a result of taking the medication, side effects may develop that manifest themselves:
- nausea
- vomiting
- bloating;
- loose stools;
- dysbiosis;
- inflammation of the peripheral nerve;
- neuritis;
- hallucinations of the visual, auditory type;
- disturbed consciousness;
- hearing loss;
- headache;
- the possibility of secondary infection;
- disturbed sleep;
- skin rash;
- itching
- swelling of the skin.
In the case of the development of an undesirable reaction for the body, the drug is canceled or adjusted.
Cases of overdose are accompanied by an increase in the number and severity of side effects. In this situation, it is necessary to rinse the stomach, take activated charcoal, medications to relieve symptoms.
Analogs of Levomycetin
Analogues of chloramphenicol have the same active substance.
Therefore, sometimes prescribed:
- Chloramphenicol Actitab;
- Chloramphenicol AKOS;
- Chloramphenicol succinate;
- Chloramphenicol.
Levomycetin should be treated selectively. Since this drug belongs to general-purpose antibacterial medicines. It has a considerable number of contraindications, side effects, and is not recommended for use in early childhood.
