University:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Course:
NURS 312 | Pharmacology
Academic year:

2020
Views:

158

Pages:

1
Author:

Maverick Martin

2.4 – “A Spla Splash sh of Gray”: Ch Chloramphenicol loramphenicol • Rarely used in the US d/t growing resistance and more effective alternate therapies with fewer adverse effects. • Inhibitor of microbial protein synthesis. Reversibly binds 50S bacterial ribosome subunit, inhibiting peptide bond formation (jammed typewriter) • Two main uses: o Meningitis – often cheapest treatment available outside of the US (globe beach ball). Active against N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae (space helmet swim cap). empiric treatment often involves 1 – 2 IM injections of Chloramphenicol. o Rocky mountain spotted fever: alternative in serious rickettsia infections (spotted hand and foot on climber). Especially important in pregnancy when doxycycline is contraindicated • Adverse effects o Dose related reversible reducing in RBC production (deflated red innertubes) o Rare but potentially fatal aplastic anemia d/t bone marrow suppression (plastic bone float) o Gray Baby Syndrome ▪ neonates lack glucuronic acid conjugation system needed for chloramphenicol breakdown (liver shaped floaty) ▪ Accumulation → flaccidity, grey color, hypothermia, shock (baby) ▪ Used with caution & in limited doses in babies