Chloramphenicol — what it treats and what to watch for

Chloramphenicol is an older antibiotic you’ll still see in eye drops, ear drops, and sometimes in hospital settings. It works against a wide range of bacteria, but doctors limit its use because it can cause rare, serious side effects. That makes it useful in specific situations — not as a go-to for everyday infections.

When chloramphenicol is used

Most commonly you’ll find chloramphenicol as an ophthalmic ointment or drop for bacterial conjunctivitis. It’s also used for some ear infections and, in places with fewer drug options, for severe infections when other antibiotics won’t work. In hospitals, it’s a backup for life-threatening infections in patients who can’t take standard drugs.

Topical use (eyes or ears) carries much lower risk than taking it by mouth or IV. That’s why eye drops containing chloramphenicol remain popular — they clear many bacterial eye infections quickly and cheaply.

Key safety tips and alternatives

There are a few safety points you should know. First, chloramphenicol can rarely cause bone marrow problems, including aplastic anemia, which is serious and can be delayed. Because of that, doctors avoid giving it systemically unless they have no good alternative.

Newborns and very young infants are at special risk for “gray baby syndrome” if they get systemic chloramphenicol. Pregnant or breastfeeding people are usually advised to avoid it unless a doctor says it’s necessary.

If you’re prescribed systemic chloramphenicol, your provider should check blood counts before starting and monitor them during treatment, especially for courses longer than a few days. For eye or ear drops, follow the dosing instructions closely and finish the full course even if symptoms clear.

Common, safer alternatives for eye infections include erythromycin ointment, polymyxin-based drops, or topical fluoroquinolones for adults. For other infections, choice of alternative depends on the bug — amoxicillin, doxycycline, cephalosporins and macrolides are typical options. Talk with your clinician about allergies, local resistance patterns, and the best alternative for your situation.

Buying medications? Use licensed pharmacies, check reviews, and verify credentials if you order online. Avoid unverified sites that sell antibiotics without a prescription — counterfeit or wrong-strength drugs are real risks.

If you’re not sure whether chloramphenicol is right for your infection, ask a healthcare provider. Tell them about allergies, pregnancy plans, any blood disorders, and whether you’re giving medicine to a baby. That helps them pick the safest, most effective option for you.

On RxCanadaPharm you can read more about antibiotic alternatives, safe online pharmacies, and practical tips for handling common infections. If you have specific symptoms, reach out to a clinician — quick, correct treatment matters.