Chloramphenicol

Main indication

• Most commonly used topical antibiotic

Mechanism of action

• Has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties to aid absorption
• Inhibits peptidyl transferase enzyme (inhibits bacterial protein synthesis)
• Bacterocidal for Strep. and Haemophilus
• Bacteriostatic for Staph.

Contraindications and cautions

• Avoid if history of aplastic anaemia or allergy
• Be aware of chloramphenical allergy if worsening symptoms
• Do not give to newborns - newborns livers are unable to process chloramphenicol, results in grey baby syndrome

Adverse effects

• Allergy
• Irreversible anaplastic anaemia (rare)

Administration

• Ointment or drops

β-lactams

• Antibiotic - penicillins and cephalosporins

Mechanism of action