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Chloramphenicol

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Sourced from primary literature. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Antibiotic

Routes

POIVTOPICAL

Indications

Bacterial conjunctivitis (ophthalmic)Bacterial infectionschronic otitisCNS penetrationco-infectionResistant bacterialResistant PasteurellaResistant respiratorysepsisSevere CNS infectionsSevere systemic infectionsSevere systemic infections requiring CNS penetrationSusceptible bacterial infectionsSusceptible infectionsSusceptible infections (CNS, ocular penetration)

Mechanism of Action

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

Side effects & warnings

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

Species with Chloramphenicol dosing data (34 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 34 dose rules

Strong×8Moderate×16Extrapolated×8Weak×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 5 published primary sources

  • · Carpenter 6e
  • · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
  • · ExoticRx 2026 (chinchilla dosing guide)
  • · ExoticRx 2026 (rat dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 34 cited rules)

Free-tier preview — dog and cat dosing. Pro and Student unlock all 11 species including reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)IV25–50 mg/kgq8hModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)IV25–50 mg/kgq8hModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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