Chloramphenicol

• Gram-positive and gram-negative cocci and bacilli (including anaerobes)

• Rickettsia, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, and Chlamydophila species

• Serious infections due to a few multidrug-resistant bacteria that remain susceptible to this antibiotic

• Plague meningitis or endophthalmitis because other plague drugs penetrate these spaces poorly

• Bone marrow depression (most serious)

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Gray baby syndrome (in neonates)

There are 2 types of bone marrow depression:

• Reversible dose-related interference with iron metabolism: This effect is most likely with high doses or prolonged treatment or in patients with a severe liver disorder.

• Irreversible idiosyncratic aplastic anemia: This anemia occurs in <

Hypersensitivity reactions are uncommon. Optic and peripheral neuritis may occur with prolonged use.

≤ 1 month of age > 25 mg/kg/day initially, and doses should be adjusted based on blood levels of the drug.