- It is produced by fermentation of Streptomyces Venezuela. Neutral and moderately soluble in water.
Mechanism of action.
- It inhibits protein synthesis by inhibiting transcription and translation.
- Bacteriostatic in nature.
Resistance.
- Through bacterial enzymes that inactivate the drug. I.e., Acetylation of OH groups.
Dosage forms.
- Dosage forms are formulated to salts to;
√Mask the bitter taste, e.g., Chloramphenicol palmitate.
√Improve solubility, e.g., Chloramphenicol sodium succinate.
Clinical Uses.
- Management of typhoid fever, hemophilia infections, e.g., Meningitis. (Given concurrently with ampicillin.)
Drug interactions.
- An inducer of cytochrome enzymes can interfere with the metabolism of other substrates metabolized by the same enzymes, e.g., Phenytoin, Sulfonamides, and Oral hypoglycin.
- Elevated serum levels of chloramphenicol may occur during concomitant administration of paracetamol.
Contraindications.
- Pregnancy,lactation,prophylaxis,porphyria.
Toxicity.
- Cytotoxic and carcinogenic effects occur when a nitro group in chloramphenicol is reduced.
- Grey baby syndrome is characterized by ;
√ Vomiting, loss of appetite, anemia.
√Cardiovascular colapse
√May cause death.
Doses.
Chloramphenicol injection 1g/vial
Chloramphenicol capsules. 250mg
