Amphenicol

Amphenicol is a class of antibiotics that includes chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol, and azidamfenicol. These antibiotics are broad-spectrum, meaning they are effective against a wide range of bacteria. Amphenicols are primarily bacteriostatic, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria, but can be bactericidal at high concentrations.

History

The first amphenicol, chloramphenicol, was discovered in the late 1940s and was the first antibiotic to be manufactured synthetically on a large scale. It was widely used in the 1950s and 1960s, but its use has declined due to the risk of serious side effects and the development of resistance.

Mechanism of action

Amphenicols work by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis. This prevents the bacteria from growing and reproducing. Unlike many other antibiotics, amphenicols can penetrate into all tissues of the body, including the brain, making them effective against infections in many different locations.

Uses

Amphenicols are used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and eye infections. They are also used in veterinary medicine to treat infections in animals.

Side effects

The most serious side effect of amphenicols is bone marrow suppression, which can lead to anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Other side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Due to these risks, amphenicols are generally reserved for use in serious infections where other antibiotics are not effective.

Resistance

Resistance to amphenicols can occur through several mechanisms, including modification of the antibiotic, alteration of the target site, and efflux of the antibiotic out of the cell. The widespread use of amphenicols in agriculture has been implicated in the development of resistance.

See also

• List of antibiotics
• Antibiotic resistance