chloramphenicol

An antibiotic originally obtained from Streptomyces venezuelae. It is effective against a number of pathogenic microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Brucella abortus, Friedländer bacillus, and the organisms of typhoid, typhus, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever; active by mouth. A serious reaction resulting in marrow damage with agranulocytosis or aplastic anemia may occur. Gray baby syndrome may occur in newborns due to a lack of glucoronyltransferase needed to metabolize the drug.

- c. acetyl transferase (CAT) a bacterial enzyme often used as a marker for examining the control of eucaryotic gene expression.

- c. palmitate same action and use as c.; was widely used in suspension for pediatric injections.

- c. sodium succinate the water-soluble sodium succinate derivative of c., suitable for parenteral administration; antibacterial activity, uses, and side effect s are similar to those of the parent compound.

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chlor·am·phen·i·col .klōr-.am-'fen-i-.kȯl, .klȯr-, -.kōl n a broad-spectrum antibiotic C₁₁H₁₂Cl₂N₂O₅ isolated from cultures of a soil actinomycete of the genus Streptomyces (S. venezuelae) or prepared synthetically see CHLOROMYCETIN

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n.

an antibiotic, derived from the bacterium Streptomyces venezuelae and also produced synthetically, that is effective against a wide variety of microorganisms. However, due to its serious side-effects, especially damage to the bone marrow, it is usually reserved for serious infections (such as typhoid fever) when less toxic drugs are ineffective. It is also used, in the form of eye drops or ointment, to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. Trade names: Chloromycetin, Kemicetine.

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chlor·am·phen·i·col (klor″əm-fenґĭ-kol) [USP] a broad-spectrum antibiotic, originally derived from Streptomyces venezuelae and later shown to be elaborated by other spirochetes, and produced synthetically. It is effective against rickettsiae, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and certain spirochetes, being used especially in the treatment of typhus and other rickettsial infections and in typhoid, shigellosis, and related enteric diseases; used as an antibacterial, administered orally or applied topically to the conjunctiva or ear, or as an antirickettsial, administered orally.