Chloromycetin, also known as chloramphenicol, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic originally derived from the bacterium Streptomyces venezuelae. It holds the distinction of being the first antibiotic synthesized artificially and is effective against a diverse array of bacteria.
Mode of Action: Chloramphenicol works by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit in bacteria, blocking peptide bond formation and thus inhibiting protein synthesis.
Uses: This antibiotic is utilized to combat severe bacterial infections such as typhoid fever, meningitis, and ocular infections.
Side Effects: Despite its effectiveness, the use of chloramphenicol is restricted due to severe side effects, including bone marrow suppression and aplastic anemia.