Chloramphenicol overdosage in a 6-week-old infant.

Abstract

Attention has been drawn to the toxicity of chloramphenicol in young infants. 1 Recently it has been suggested that poor renal and hepatic function accounts for the prolonged retention of the free drug, with consequent toxic effects. 2 A dose of 50 mg. per kg. body weight per 24 hours for newborns up to 4 weeks was suggested in January, 1959, by Parke, Davis & Company. Probable chloramphenicol toxicity is illustrated by the following case seen in consultation. Report of Case A baby girl, aged 6 weeks and weighing 4530 gm. (10 lb.), was admitted to Kennewick General Hospital on April 30, 1960, at 1:00a.m.with a 2 day history of cough, cold, and fever. On examination, an acutely ill child with a temperature of 100 was found. Grunting respiration at 60 per minute was noted, with scattered rales throughout the right lung field. The abdomen was soft and