Chloramphenicol

Definition

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against a variety of bacteria. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chloramphenicol binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing peptide bond formation.
2. It is used to treat serious infections like meningitis and typhoid fever, especially when other antibiotics are ineffective.
3. Due to its potential for severe side effects, such as aplastic anemia, its use is often restricted.
4. Chloramphenicol can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it effective in treating central nervous system infections.
5. Its use in the United States is limited primarily to eye drops or ointments due to safety concerns.

Review Questions

• What mechanism does chloramphenicol use to inhibit bacterial growth?
• Why is chloramphenicol considered a last-resort antibiotic in many cases?
• Which types of infections can chloramphenicol effectively treat due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier?

Related terms

Ribosome: A cellular structure that facilitates protein synthesis by translating messenger RNA.

Aplastic Anemia: A condition where bone marrow fails to produce sufficient new cells, often associated with drug toxicity.

Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic: An antibiotic that acts against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria.