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Chloramphenicol Introduction:

Chloramphenicol, antibiotic drug once commonly used in the treatment of infections caused by various bacteria, including those in the genera Rickettsia and Mycoplasma. Chloramphenicol was originally found as a product of the metabolism of the soil bacterium Streptomyces venezuelae (order Actinomycetales) and subsequently was synthesized chemically. It achieves its antibacterial effect by interfering with protein synthesis in these microorganisms. It is seldom used today.

Chloramphenicol has been important in the treatment of typhoid fever and other Salmonella infections. For many years chloramphenicol, in combination with ampicillin, was the treatment of choice for Haemophilus influenzae infections, including meningitis. Chloramphenicol is also useful in the treatment of pneumococcal or meningococcal meningitis in penicillin-allergic patients.

Chloramphenicol is administered either orally or parenterally (by injection or infusion), but since it is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, parenteral administration is reserved for serious infections.

1.Usage
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic.
It’s mainly used to treat eye infections (such as conjunctivitis) and sometimes ear infections.
Chloramphenicol comes as eye drops or eye ointment. These are available on prescription or to buy from pharmacies.
It also comes as ear drops. These are on prescription only.
The medicine is also given intravenously (directly into a vein) or as capsules. This treatment is for serious infections and is nearly always given in hospital.

2. Key facts
● Chloramphenicol is safe for most adults and children.
● For most eye infections, you’ll usually start to see an improvement within 2 days of using chloramphenicol.
● For ear infections, you should begin to feel better after a few days.
● Your eyes may sting for a short time after using the eye drops or ointment. The ear drops may cause some mild discomfort.
● Brand names include Chloromycetin, Optrex Infected Eye Drops and Optrex Infected Eye Ointment.

3. Side effects
Like all medicines, chloramphenicol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people.
Chloramphenicol eye drops or ointment can cause stinging or burning in your eye. This happens straight after using the eye drops or ointment and only lasts for a short time. Do not drive or operate machinery until your eyes feel comfortable again and your vision is