Chloramphenicol

Reserved antibiotic for refractory or multidrug-resistant infections in dogs and cats; intracellular pathogens, anaerobes, CNS infections; significant bone marrow suppression risk. Broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic. Mechanism: reversibly binds 50S ribosomal subunit (23S rRNA) → inhibits peptidyl transferase → blocks peptide elongation. Active against gram-positive, gram-negative, Rickettsia, Mycoplasma, anaerobes, and intracellular pathogens. Potential for aplastic anemia in humans (irreversible — rare); reversible dose-dependent myelosuppression in animals. Key information HUMAN SAFETY: Risk of aplastic anemia in humans — wear gloves and avoid all contact. Do not allow pregnant women or immunocompromised persons to handle. Not for use in food-producing animals. Store at room temperature. Do not crush tablets (toxicity risk to handler).

Oral tablets or capsules: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Wear gloves when handling — aplastic anemia hazard to humans. Do not crush tablets without gloves and mask. IV (extra-label): dilute sodium succinate form in compatible IV fluid; infuse over 15–30 min. Ophthalmic ointment: apply ribbon to conjunctival sac. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one. Complete the full antibiotic course. Wear gloves when handling.

Myelosuppression: reversible dose-dependent bone marrow suppression in animals. Aplastic anemia in humans (irreversible, idiosyncratic — NEVER let handlers have skin contact). Cats: severe toxicity — elimination half-life 5× longer than dogs; GI upset, anorexia. GI: vomiting, diarrhea. Neonates: 'gray baby' syndrome (immature glucuronidation). Inhibits CYP450 (drug interactions).

For animals Avoid in neonates (immature glucuronidation — 'gray syndrome'). Horses: potentially serious bone marrow suppression and immune-mediated anemia reported. Use with caution in hepatic impairment. — reduced metabolism. Numerous drug interactions (CYP450 inhibitor): prolongs barbiturate, phenytoin, and cyclophosphamide activity. Avoid in pregnant animals. For people handling this medication SERIOUS HUMAN HEALTH HAZARD: Even trace skin contact with chloramphenicol can cause irreversible aplastic anemia in humans — a potentially fatal blood disorder. Wear chemical-resistant gloves at ALL times when handling. Do NOT allow owners or caregivers to handle without gloves. {EYE} Avoid contact with any mucous membranes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. {PREG} Keep out of reach of children. If skin exposure occurs, wash immediately and inform your physician. Contact Poison Control for any significant exposure.

Contact your veterinarian immediately. Overdose causes bone marrow suppression (anemia, low white cell count, bleeding), GI signs, and neurological effects. Monitor CBC. Contact your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.