Chloramphenicol is a bacteriostatic drug and it inhibits bacterial growth. It controls the bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis. Chloramphenicol controls the protein chain elongation by inhibiting the peptidyl transferase activity of the bacterial ribosome. It specifically binds to the 23S rRNA of the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing the peptide–bond formation.

Uses

Chloramphenicol is widely used in the treatment of typhoid. It is active against Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumonia and Haemophilus influenza. It is widely used in the treatment of conjunctivitis.