The Basics
What is Chloramphenicol?
An eye ointment to treat conjunctivitis.
Brand names for Chloramphenicol
Chloroptic
How Chloramphenicol is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents
Chloramphenicol During Pregnancy
Chloramphenicol pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Chloramphenicol while pregnant
Chloramphenicol has been shown to be embryocidal and teratogenic in rat, mouse, rabbit and chicken embryos/fetuses (see below). There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Chloramphenicol has been shown to cross the placental barrier, but it is not known whether chloramphenicol can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Chloramphenicol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Chloramphenicol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Chloramphenicol?
Adverse reactions such as vomiting, excessive intestinal gas and falling asleep at the breast have been reported in breastfed infants whose mothers were taking oral chloramphenicol. Milk concentrations are not sufficient to induce gray baby syndrome, but since chloramphenicol-induced aplastic anemia is not dose-related, this might occur, but has not been reported. An alternate drug is preferred to chloramphenicol during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. If the mother must receive chloramphenicol during nursing, monitor the infant for gastrointestinal disturbances and adequacy of nursing. Monitoring of the infant’s complete blood count and differential is advisable. In some cases, discontinuation of breastfeeding might be preferred.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Adverse reactions such as vomiting, excessive intestinal gas and falling asleep at the breast have been reported in breastfed infants whose mothers were taking oral chloramphenicol. Milk concentrations are not sufficient to induce gray baby syndrome, but since chloramphenicol-induced aplastic anemia is not dose-related, this might occur, but has not been reported. An alternate drug is preferred to chloramphenicol during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. If the mother must receive chloramphenicol during nursing, monitor the infant for gastrointestinal disturbances and adequacy of nursing. Monitoring of the infant’s complete blood count and differential is advisable. In some cases, discontinuation of breastfeeding might be preferred.
Possible effects of Chloramphenicol on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Chloramphenicol
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Havelka J, Hejzlar M, Popov V et al. Excretion of chloramphenicol in human milk. Chemotherapy (Basel). 1968;13:204-11. PMID: 5750653
2. Plomp TA, Thiery M, Maes RAA. The passage of thiamphenicol and chloramphenicol into human milk after single and repeated oral administration. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1983;25:167-72. PMID: 6868331
3. Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy Perinatol. 1984;5:57-60. PMID: 6743732
4. Havelka J, Frankova A. [Adverse effects of chloramphenicol in newborn infants]. Cesk Pediatr. 1972;27:31-3. PMID: 5010584
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
