Can chloramphenicol be used as nose drops for sinusitis?
Nov 28, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Sinusitis is generally not treated with chloramphenicol nasal drops, mainly because this medication is highly irritating. After use, it may enter the gastrointestinal tract through the nasal passages, potentially causing abnormal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Additionally, the effectiveness of chloramphenicol in treating sinusitis is not particularly significant. Therefore, to avoid interfering with the normal recovery from sinusitis, chloramphenicol should not be used for its treatment.
Generally, chloramphenicol should not be used as nasal drops for sinusitis, to avoid interfering with treatment.
Sinusitis is usually caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, or viruses, and its main symptoms include headache, reduced sense of smell, nasal congestion, and purulent nasal discharge. Chloramphenicol is an antibacterial medication clinically used to treat conditions such as meningitis, typhoid fever, seborrheic dermatitis, and conjunctivitis. However, patients with sinusitis should generally avoid using chloramphenicol as nasal drops, primarily because this drug is highly irritating. When administered nasally, it may enter the gastrointestinal tract through the nasal passage, potentially causing adverse symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Moreover, the effectiveness of chloramphenicol in treating sinusitis is not particularly significant. Therefore, to prevent interference with the normal recovery from sinusitis, chloramphenicol should not be used for its treatment.
After developing sinusitis, patients can, under a doctor's guidance, use intranasal corticosteroids to relieve symptoms. Commonly used medications include budesonide nasal spray and fluticasone propionate nasal spray.
