chloramphenicol

Chloramphenicol was first artificially made in 1949, making it the first antibiotic to be made instead of extracted from a micro-organism. This antibiotic is used to treat a number of bacterial infections, including meningitis, plague, cholera, and typhoid fever. Plus, it is used as an eye ointment to treat conjunctivitis. Chloramphenicol basically works against these different types of bacteria by stopping them from growing and multiplying. Bear in mind that the use of this antibiotic by mouth or by injection is only recommended when safer antibiotics cannot be used. As for the side effects, they include bone marrow suppression, nausea, and diarrhea. In fact, the bone marrow suppression may result in death. However, to reduce the risk of these side effects, treatment duration should be as short as possible. Besides, people with liver or kidney problems may need lower doses. There’s also a condition known as gray baby syndrome that may occur in young children, and this condition results in a swollen stomach and low blood pressure.