Description
Mechanism of Action
Chloramphenicol inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 50s subunit of the bacterial ribosome, thus preventing peptide bond formation by peptidyl transferase. It has both bacteriostatic and bactericidal action against H. influenzae, N. meningitidisand S. pneumoniae.
Duration: Typhoid: 8-10 days; meningitis: 7-10 days; brain abscess: Up to 4 wk.
Absorption: Readily absorbed with peak plasma concentrations after 1 or 2 hr (oral).
Distribution: Distributed widely into tissues and fluids, CSF (up to 50% even in the absence of meningitis), eye (aqueous and vitreous humours); crosses the placenta and enters the breast milk. Protein-binding: 60%.
Metabolism: Hydrolysed to the free drug in the GI tract (palmitate); liver by conjugation with glucuronic acid, lungs and kidneys after parenteral admin (sodium succinate).
Excretion: Via the urine (30% as unchanged before hydrolysis, 5-10% of an oral dose), via the bile (3%), via the faeces (1% as inactive form); 1.5-4 hr (elimination half-life).
MIMS Class
Eye Anti-Infectives & Antiseptics / Ear Anti-Infectives & Antiseptics / Chloramphenicols
ATC Classification
J01BA01 – chloramphenicol; Belongs to the class of amphenicols. Used in the systemic treatment of infections.;
S03AA08 – chloramphenicol; Belongs to the class of antiinfectives used in ophthalmologic and otologic preparations.;
D06AX02 – chloramphenicol; Belongs to the class of other topical antibiotics used in the treatment of dermatological diseases.;
S02AA01 – chloramphenicol; Belongs to the class of antiinfectives used in the treatment of ear infections.;
D10AF03 – chloramphenicol; Belongs to the class of topical antiinfective preparations used in the treatment of acne.;
G01AA05 – chloramphenicol; Belongs to the class of antibiotics. Used in the treatment of gynecological infections.;
S01AA01 – chloramphenicol; Belongs to the class of antibiotics. Used in the treatment of eye infections.;
