Chloramphenicol

Question 1

Is chloramphenicol used anymore? Where?

Answer 1

Not in the USA due to severe adverse effects. Only used in the developing world

Question 2

Chloramphenicol

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

Bind the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide bond formation

Question 3

Chloramphenicol

Cidal or Static?

Answer 3

Bacteriostatic for most.

Cidal against Haemophilus influenzae, strep pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis

Question 4

Chloramphenicol

Mechanisms of Resistance

Answer 4

• Reduced permeability
• Ribosomal mutation
• Acetyltransferase inactivation

Question 5

Chloramphenicol

Absorption

Answer 5

Well absorbed int he GI tract

Question 6

Chloramphenicol

Distribution

Answer 6

Lipid soluble
Not highly protein bound
Good conc in CSF

Question 7

Chloramphenicol

Elimination

Answer 7

Metabolized by the liver.

Adjust dosing in LIVER failure.

Question 8

Chloramphenicol

Spectrum of Activity

Answer 8

Some Gram Positives
Some Gram Negatives
Anaerobes
Rickettsia
Spirochetes
Chlamydia
Mycoplasma

Question 9

What species is chloramphenicol NOT active against?

Answer 9

Staph aureus
Enterococcus
Pseudomonas

Question 10

Chloramphenicol

Adverse Effects

Answer 10

Aplastic anemia
Gray Baby Syndrome (due to inability of baby to metabolize drug)
Optic neuritis
Hypersensitivity
GI intolerance