Boostrix and Chloramphenicol Oral, Intravenous, Injection

• Generic Name: diphtheria toxoid / pertussis, acellular / tetanus toxoid
• Dosage Forms: injection, suspension
• Other Brand Names: Adacel, Boostrix

Boostrix (diphtheria, tetanus acellular, and pertussis adult vaccine - also called Tdap) is used to help prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis in people who are at least 10 years old. Most people in this age group require only one Tdap shot for protection against these diseases.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airways. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Pertussis (whooping cough) causes coughing so severe that it interferes with eating, drinking, or breathing. These spells can last for weeks and can lead to pneumonia, seizures (convulsions), brain damage, and death.

Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.

Boostrix is especially important for healthcare workers or people who have close contact with a baby younger than 12 months old.

Boostrix works by exposing you to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, Boostrix may not provide protection from disease in every person.

• Generic Name: chloramphenicol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

Chloramphenicol is used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

Chloramphenicol is used to treat serious infections in different parts of the body. It is sometimes given with other antibiotics. However, chloramphenicol should not be used for colds, flu, other virus infections, sore throats or other minor infections, or to prevent infections.

Chloramphenicol should only be used for serious infections in which other medicines do not work. Chloramphenicol may cause some serious side effects, including blood problems and eye problems. Symptoms of the blood problems include pale skin, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, and unusual tiredness or weakness. You and your doctor should talk about the good chloramphenicol will do as well as the risks of taking it .

Chloramphenicol is available only with your doctor's prescription.