Chloramphenicol CAS 56-75-7
Category：Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Introduction
Molecular Formula: C11H12Cl2N2O5
Molecular Weight : 323.1
CAS No.: 56-75-7
It is a bacteriostatic broad-spectrum antibiotic. Chloramphenicol has inhibitory effects on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and has a strong effect on the latter. It is used to treat typhoid, dysentery, E. coli, and influenza , Brucella, pneumococcus, etc.
Description
It is a white, greyish-white or yellowish-white, fine, crystalline powder or fine crystals, needles or elongated plates. It is slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol and in propylene glycol.
Application
It is fat-soluble and can inhibit the formation of peptide chains and prevent protein synthesis. It is a bacteriostatic agent, which inhibits both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and has a strong effect on the latter.
1. Used for typhoid fever and salmonella infections.
2. Used for ampicillin-resistant influenza B meningitis or pneumococcal meningitis, meningococcal meningitis and sensitive gram-negative bacillus meningitis of patients allergic to penicillin.
3. Used for ear-derived brain abscesses with mixed infection of aerobes and anaerobes.
4. Used for severe anaerobic infection, such as Bacteroides fragilis infection.
5. It can be combined with aminoglycoside drugs to treat various infections caused by sensitive bacteria and other microorganisms, such as sepsis and lung infections caused by influenza bacillus, salmonella and other gram-negative bacilli.
6. Topically used to treat superficial infections of the eyes and ears caused by Escherichia coli, influenza bacillus, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus hemolyticus.
7. It is also effective against Rickettsia, Mycoplasma and all infections.
8. Ineffective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia infections.
9. Eye drops are used to treat eye infections caused by sensitive bacteria, such as trachoma, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis.
10. Ear drops can be used to treat otitis externa and acute and chronic otitis media caused by sensitive bacteria infection. Ear plugs can also be used for otitis and pus after radical mastoidectomy.
Packing
25kg/bag or as per customer’s requirements.
Storage
Preserve in tight and light-resistant containers. If the substance is sterile, store in asterile, airtight, tamper-proof container.
Minimum Order
One package
Chloramphenicol: A Veterinary Antibiotic
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that has been used in veterinary medicine, though its use is carefully regulated due to potential risks.
1. General Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
| Classification | Broad – spectrum antibiotic, with a unique chemical structure among antibiotics. |
| Source | Originally derived from Streptomyces venezuelae, but can also be synthesized chemically. Chemical synthesis is more common for commercial production. |
| Formulation | Available as powders, which can be formulated into capsules, tablets, and oral suspensions for oral administration to animals. Injectable forms exist for parenteral use, and there are also topical formulations such as eye ointments and creams for treating local infections. |
| Solubility | Sparingly soluble in water. However, it can be dissolved in organic solvents and formulated into solutions suitable for different routes of administration. Special formulation techniques are often employed to enhance its solubility and bioavailability. |
2. Mechanism of Action
| Action | Explanation |
| Inhibition of Protein Synthesis | Chloramphenicol binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria. It specifically inhibits the peptidyl transferase activity, which is essential for the formation of peptide bonds during protein synthesis. By blocking this key step, the elongation of the polypeptide chain is halted, leading to the inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis. This ultimately results in growth arrest and cell death. |
| Selective Activity | It has a broad – spectrum antibacterial effect, acting against both Gram – positive and Gram – negative bacteria. It is also effective against some anaerobes, rickettsiae, and chlamydiae. The unique binding site on the ribosome of these diverse organisms allows chloramphenicol to exert its antibacterial action. |
3. Clinical Applications and Considerations
| Category | Details |
| Applications | – Treating respiratory tract infections in livestock and poultry. It can be used against a variety of pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma spp. in poultry, and Streptococcus spp. in cattle. – Managing gastrointestinal infections in animals. It is effective against Salmonella spp. and other Gram – negative pathogens that cause diarrhea and intestinal disorders. – Treating eye infections in animals. Topical eye ointments containing chloramphenicol are commonly used to treat conjunctivitis and other ocular infections in dogs, cats, and livestock. – In some cases, used to treat skin and soft – tissue infections in animals, especially those caused by a mix of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. |
| Considerations | – Toxicity Concerns: Chloramphenicol has been associated with severe side effects in humans, including aplastic anemia. Due to the risk of residues in animal – derived food products, its use in food – producing animals is restricted or banned in many countries. – In animals, high doses or long – term use may cause bone marrow suppression, leading to decreased production of red and white blood cells. – Overuse can contribute to the development of antibiotic – resistant bacteria. Adhering to proper dosage and treatment duration, where legal, is crucial. – Caution is needed when using it in combination with other drugs. There may be potential drug – drug interactions, especially with other antibiotics that target protein synthesis. |
Despite its antibacterial effectiveness, the use of chloramphenicol in veterinary medicine is carefully weighed against its potential risks to ensure both animal and human health.
