Chloramphenicol (also known as chloramphenicol) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that affects a large number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It was one of the first antibiotics to be synthesized artificially, although it was originally isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces venezuelae. Chloramphenicol works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacterial cells, which ultimately leads to their death.

The drug is used to treat such serious infections as typhoid fever, meningitis, anthrax, as well as purulent lesions of the skin, eyes (in the form of drops), respiratory organs and gastrointestinal tract. Due to its ability to penetrate all tissues and fluids of the body, including cerebrospinal fluid, it is especially effective for infections of the central nervous system.

However, due to the high risk of serious side effects, in particular the development of aplastic anemia, chloramphenicol is used only in cases where other, safer antibiotics are ineffective. Its intake requires strict control by a doctor, especially when used systematically. In many countries, the use of chloramphenicol is restricted or banned for preventive purposes due to toxicity.