Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria from growing or reproducing. It is effective against many types of bacteria and is easily absorbed orally and easily distributed throughout the body.¹ 

Chloramphenicol acts as a time-dependent, bacteriostatic antibiotic, but at higher concentrations or against some susceptible organisms, it can be bactericidal. Chloramphenicol acts by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, thereby preventing bacterial protein synthesis.

Chloramphenicol has a wide spectrum of activity against many aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Gram-positive aerobic organisms that are generally susceptible to chloramphenicol include many streptococci and staphylococci.

In horses, chloramphenicol and related medications are often used to treat strangles, a highly contagious upper respiratory infection of equines caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi. In cases of S. equi infection, the bacteria is transmitted by inhalation or direct contact with contaminated surfaces (such as horses sharing water buckets). The bacteria colonize the horse’s tonsils and pharynx, and then infect the lymph nodes under and behind the jaw, resulting in abscessation.³

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.

¹equimed.com.
³vetspecialists.com.