Tag: Antibiotic toxicity

Despite being a potent and broad-spectrum antibiotic discovered in 1947, chloramphenicol is rarely used in developed countries due to severe, potentially fatal adverse effects. So, what is the problem with chloramphenicol and why is it reserved for life-threatening infections? The answer lies in its significant toxicity profile.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five medication-related emergency room visits is due to antibiotic side effects. While many of these are mild, identifying the more severe signs of antibiotic toxicity is critical for patient safety and prompt medical intervention. Understanding how to differentiate between common side effects and true toxicity can prevent serious health complications.