Chloramphenicol

• Type: Broad-spectrum antibiotic

• Main Use: Treats a wide range of bacterial infections, especially in the eyes.

How It Works

• Chloramphenicol stops bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and multiply.

• This halts the infection and allows the immune system to clear the bacteria.

Forms Available

• Eye drops and eye ointment – for bacterial eye infections

• Oral capsules or injection – for serious infections (used less often today because of possible side effects)

Common Uses (Topical/Eye Form)

• Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye caused by bacteria)

• Blepharitis (eyelid infection)

• Other superficial eye infections

Common Uses (Systemic Form – Rare Today)

• Serious infections like typhoid fever, meningitis, or rickettsial infections — usually only if other antibiotics aren’t suitable

Advantages

• Works against many different bacteria

• Often very effective for eye infections

• Available as over-the-counter eye drops in some countries

Possible Side Effects

• Eye use: Mild stinging or burning, temporary blurred vision, irritation

• Oral/injection use: Rare but serious risk of bone marrow suppression or aplastic anemia (this is why systemic use is limited)

• Allergic reactions (rare but possible)

Precautions

• Use only for bacterial infections — it won’t work for viral or allergic conjunctivitis

• Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve

• If using for the eyes, avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or skin to prevent contamination