Question 1

What is Chloramphenicol used for?

Accepted Answer

Chloramphenicol is indicated for: Bacterial conjunctivitis (ophthalmic), Bacterial infections, chronic otitis, CNS penetration, co-infection, Resistant bacterial, Resistant Pasteurella, Resistant respiratory, sepsis, Severe CNS infections, Severe systemic infections, Severe systemic infections requiring CNS penetration, Susceptible bacterial infections, Susceptible infections, Susceptible infections (CNS, ocular penetration).

Question 2

What routes can Chloramphenicol be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, IV, TOPICAL.

Question 3

Which species have cited Chloramphenicol dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Chloramphenicol dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 11 species: African Grey Parrot, Ball Python, Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Chinchilla, Dog (Domestic), Ferret, Guinea Pig, Horse (Equine), Pet Rat, Rabbit (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Chloramphenicol a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Chloramphenicol is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Chloramphenicol?

Accepted Answer

Human health hazard: wear gloves when handling (aplastic anemia risk in humans). May cause bone marrow suppression in cats. Monitor CBC during prolonged use.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Chloramphenicol?

Accepted Answer

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Chloramphenicol: Human health hazard: wear gloves when handling (aplastic anemia risk in humans). May cause bone marrow suppression in cats. Monitor CBC during prolonged use.

Question 7

How does Chloramphenicol work?

Accepted Answer

Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting peptidyl transferase and bacterial protein synthesis. Bacteriostatic.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Cat (Domestic)	IV	12.5–25 mg/kg	q12h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	PO	40–50 mg/kg	q8h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Chloramphenicol

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Chloramphenicol dosing data (19 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 19 dose rules

Backed by 5 published sources

Sample dosing (2 of 19 cited rules)

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