The antibiotic chloramphenicol is used mainly to treat serious infections due to the few bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics but are still susceptible to chloramphenicol. Its use is limited because it interferes with the production of blood cells in bone marrow, greatly reducing the number of blood cells (the blood cell count), which, in some people, can be irreversible and fatal. So chloramphenicol is used only if no safer antibiotics are available.
Chloramphenicol works by interfering with the bacteria's production of the proteins needed to grow and multiply.
Chloramphenicol is commonly used to treat typhoid and other salmonella infections, rickettsial infections, and meningitis.
(See also Overview of Antibiotics.)
Use of Chloramphenicol During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Chloramphenicol should be used during pregnancy only when the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. Chloramphenicol may cause gray baby syndrome, a serious and often fatal reaction to the antibiotic. (See also Safety of Medications During Pregnancy.)
Use of chloramphenicol during breastfeeding is not recommended. (See also Medication and Substance Use During Breastfeeding.)
