Antimicrobial
Chloramphenicol
50S peptidyl-transferase inhibitor
klor-am-FEN-ih-kol
High-yield clue
Chloramphenicol blocks 50S peptidyl transferase and is remembered for aplastic anemia and gray baby syndrome vocabulary.
Overview
A broad-spectrum protein-synthesis inhibitor studied for blocking the 50S peptidyl transferase reaction and for its classic toxicity vocabulary.
Classification
- Protein-synthesis inhibitor
- Binds 50S ribosomal subunit
- Bacteriostatic
- Broad-spectrum
Lab & identification clues
- Inhibits peptidyl transferase / peptide-bond formation
- Resistance via chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) concept
- Dose-independent aplastic anemia vocabulary
Associations
- Gray baby syndrome (immature glucuronidation) concept
- CNS penetration study vocabulary
- Reserve-use framing in resource-limited settings
Commonly confused with
- Macrolides
- Lincosamides (clindamycin)
Frequently asked questions
What is Chloramphenicol?
A broad-spectrum protein-synthesis inhibitor studied for blocking the 50S peptidyl transferase reaction and for its classic toxicity vocabulary.
What is the high-yield clue for Chloramphenicol?
Chloramphenicol blocks 50S peptidyl transferase and is remembered for aplastic anemia and gray baby syndrome vocabulary.
What is Chloramphenicol associated with?
Chloramphenicol is associated with Gray baby syndrome (immature glucuronidation) concept, CNS penetration study vocabulary, and Reserve-use framing in resource-limited settings.
What is Chloramphenicol commonly confused with?
Chloramphenicol is commonly confused with Macrolides and Lincosamides (clindamycin).
Original mechanism summary for microbiology study. Sources checked: CDC antimicrobial-resistance guidance, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and standard coursework frameworks; reviewed 2026-06. Covers class, mechanism, and resistance vocabulary only; no prescribing, dosing, or patient-specific treatment guidance.