Chloromycetin (Chloramphenicol) in the Treatment of Infections

Abstract

CHLOROMYCETIN (chloramphenicol) is a white crystalline antibiotic agent isolated originally from Streptomyces venezuelae.1 The chemical formula has been determined,2 and the manufacture of the compound by chemical synthesis has been accomplished on a commercially practicable basis. It is an extremely bitter material, relatively stable in water over a wide range of temperature and pH and sparingly soluble in water to the extent of 2.5 mg. per cubic centimeter. Previous studies have shown Chloromycetin to be active against a wide spectrum of bacteria in vitro, including many gram-positive cocci, the gonococcus and most of the gram-negative bacilli except certain strains . . .