Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Injection of chloramphenicol.
• Medical Term: Injection, chloramphenicol sodium succinate, up to 1 gm (J0720).

Summary

Injection of chloramphenicol sodium succinate is a medical procedure where a synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. It is used to treat serious bacterial infections that are unresponsive to other antibiotics.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Bacterial infections such as meningitis, typhoid fever, and certain respiratory tract infections.
• Goals/Outcomes: To eliminate bacterial infections, alleviate symptoms, and prevent the spread of the infection.

Indications

• Severe bacterial infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.
• Patients with infections not adequately treated with oral antibiotics.
• Critically ill patients who require intravenous medications.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: No specific preparation required; however, inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or medications you're currently taking.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood culture to identify the causative bacteria, and sensitivity tests to determine if chloramphenicol is appropriate.

Procedure Description

1. Consent: Patient provides informed consent after understanding risks and benefits.
2. Administration:
   • Chloramphenicol sodium succinate powder is reconstituted with sterile water.
   • Intravenous (IV) infusion: Administered slowly over 15-30 minutes.
   • Intramuscular (IM) injection: Administered deep into the muscle.
3. Monitoring: Vital signs and allergic reactions are monitored throughout the procedure.
   • Equipment: Syringes, sterile water, needles, IV drip set.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required; local anesthetics may be used for IM injections.

Duration

• The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes for intravenous administration, while intramuscular injection takes only a few minutes.

Setting

• The procedure can be performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals:
  • Physicians
  • Registered Nurses
  • Pharmacists for medication preparation

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Pain at the injection site, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset.
• Rare Risks: Bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia, secondary infections.
• Complications Management: Supportive care, blood transfusions, and discontinuation of the medication.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Rapid control of severe bacterial infections, symptom relief within a few days.
• Realization Time: Benefits typically observed within 48-72 hours of starting treatment.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Monitor for side effects, follow up with blood tests to check for bone marrow suppression.
• Recovery Time: Varies depending on infection severity; generally, recovery within a few weeks.
• Restrictions: Avoid exposure to infections, stay hydrated, and rest.
• Follow-up: Regular blood tests and medical evaluations to ensure infection resolution.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Oral antibiotics, alternative IV antibiotics like vancomycin or ceftriaxone.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Alternatives might have fewer side effects but may be less effective against resistant bacteria.
  • Chloramphenicol is avoided unless absolutely necessary due to serious side effects.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Patients may feel a pinch or pressure during the injection; mild discomfort for IV infusion.
• Post-procedure: Mild soreness at the injection site; usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Pain Management: Ice packs, analgesics, and comfort measures provided by healthcare staff.