Chloramphenicol & Aplastic Anemia

  • Medical
  • Thread starter rodsika
  • Start date
In summary, opthalmic chloramphenicol drops have been widely used in the West for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. While there have been isolated cases linking them to aplastic anemia, the risk is estimated to be very low. The link between the two is not well founded, according to some sources. In Mexico, these drops are used preventatively in newborns. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of interaction between chloramphenicol eye drops and aplastic anemia.
  • #1
rodsika
279
2
Is opthalmic chloramphenicol drops proven to be safe or not? Does it promote aplastic anemia or is it the oral version only? What's the mechanism of interaction that is so far discovered?
 
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  • #2
rodsika said:
Is opthalmic chloramphenicol drops proven to be safe or not? Does it promote aplastic anemia or is it the oral version only? What's the mechanism of interaction that is so far discovered?

This is a summation of what's known:

Wikipedia said:
Eye dropsIn the West, chloramphenicol is still widely used in topical preparations (ointments and eye drops) for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Isolated cases report of aplastic anaemia following chloramphenicol eyedrops exist, but the risk is estimated to be less than 1 in 224,716 prescriptions.[9] Note. http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40025037/ suggests that the link between chloramphenicol eye drops and aplastic anemia is "not well founded". In Mexico, this is the treatment used prophylactically in newborns.

I don't believe there is anything more definitive.
 

1. What is Chloramphenicol?

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

2. What is Aplastic Anemia?

Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious blood disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells.

3. How is Chloramphenicol related to Aplastic Anemia?

Chloramphenicol has been linked to the development of aplastic anemia in some cases. It is believed that the medication can damage the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in blood cell production.

4. What are the symptoms of Aplastic Anemia?

The symptoms of aplastic anemia may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding.

5. Can Aplastic Anemia caused by Chloramphenicol be treated?

Yes, aplastic anemia caused by chloramphenicol can be treated. The treatment may include stopping the use of the medication, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplantation in severe cases.

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