Selected Antimicrobial Information – Companion Animal
Chloramphenicol [Companion]
Restriction Status
Unrestricted
Dose
| Species | Usage | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | For oral use | 12.5-20mg/kg q12h for 7-14d (treatment should not exceed 14d) (extra-label use) |
| For parenteral use | 12-30mg/kg q12h IV (extra-label use) | |
| Dogs | For oral use | 45-60mg/kg q8h for 7d-14d (treatment should not exceed 14d) (extra-label use) |
| For parenteral use | 45-60mg/kg q6-8h IV (extra-label use) |
Brand Name(s)
Viceton®, Chloromycetin®
Background
Chloramphenicol is a bacteriostatic, time-dependent acetamide antibiotic with a very broad spectrum of activity, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobes, and anaerobes. It is not effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Plasmid-mediated resistance to chloramphenicol develops in Gram-negative bacteria (e.g. Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella spp.) over time. Chloramphenicol is widely distributed throughout the body, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and penetrates necrotic tissues and abscesses. Elimination is through hepatic metabolism, and inactive metabolites are excreted in urine.
Acceptable Uses
- Treatment of conditions in which broad-spectrum coverage is required (pneumonia, peritonitis, internal abscesses, cellulitis, etc.). Culture/susceptibility are indicated prior to initiating therapy.
- Treatment of rickettsial infections.
- Pyoderma in dogs.
Unacceptable Uses
- Should not be used in animals with pre-existing leukopenia or anemia.
Formulations Available within the OSU Pharmacy
- Chloramphenicol 1g tablet
- Chloramphenicol 250mg tablet
Notes
- Idiosyncratic, irreversible aplastic anemia is a rare complication of human exposure to chloramphenicol, which can lead to death. Gloves should always be worn when handling chloramphenicol.
- Reversible bone marrow suppression has also been noted in cats and dogs. Reversible bone marrow suppression is very common in cats, especially with treatment >14 days. It is rare in dogs.
- Reversible peripheral neuropathy/hindlimb paresis of unknown etiology occurs in up to 30% of dogs treated with chloramphenicol.
- Chloramphenicol can decrease the clearance of other hepatically-metabolized drugs (e.g. barbituates).
- GI side effects (i.e. vomiting and anorexia) are common in dogs and cats treated with chloramphenicol.
- When given orally, chloramphenicol should be administered with food to improve its absorption.
- It is very difficult to find injectable formulations of chloramphenicol.
