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Chloramphenicol

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Amphenicol antibiotic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
4 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding reversibly to the 50S ribosomal subunit; bacteriostatic; broad-spectrum including anaerobes and intracellular organisms

At a glance

Class
Amphenicol antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1960-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Susceptible infections (CNS, ocular, rickettsial)
Dose
25–50 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV, IM
Frequency
TID (q8h)
Max dose
2000 mg/dose; 6000 mg/day
Duration: 7–14 days
🐈

Cat

Susceptible infections (avoid if alternatives exist)
Dose
12.5–25 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
BID (q12h)
Max dose
250 mg/dose; 500 mg/day
Duration: 7–14 days; cats metabolize slowly

Formulations

💊

Capsule — 2

Strength
250mg
Available in India
Strength
500mg
Available in India
💉

Injection (sodium succinate) — 1

Strength
1g vial
Available in India
💊

Eye drops — 1

Strength
0.5%
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Neonatal animals
    Gray baby syndrome equivalent
  • Known bone marrow suppression

Use with caution

  • Hepatic insufficiency
    Reduced metabolism
  • Human handler safety
    Risk of idiosyncratic aplastic anaemia in humans handling the drug — wear gloves

Adverse effects

Common
Anorexia
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Serious
Dose-dependent bone marrow suppression
Aplastic anaemia (idiosyncratic, mainly humans)
Optic neuritis

Monitoring parameters

CBC (weekly during treatment)Reticulocyte countHepatic function

Interactions

Major — 1

Cyclophosphamide
major
Chloramphenicol inhibits hepatic CYP enzymes required to activate cyclophosphamide prodrug, reducing its antineoplastic efficacy.
Management: Avoid concurrent use. Use alternative antibiotic during cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.

Moderate — 3

Phenobarbital
moderate
Chloramphenicol inhibits hepatic enzymes, increasing phenobarbital levels; phenobarbital may reduce chloramphenicol levels
Management: Monitor phenobarbital levels. Dose adjustments may be needed.
Clindamycin
moderate
Both bind overlapping sites on 50S ribosomal subunit. Concurrent use causes competitive antagonism reducing efficacy of both.
Management: Do not combine. Choose one based on susceptibility.
Erythromycin
moderate
Macrolides and chloramphenicol bind overlapping 50S ribosomal sites. Competitive antagonism.
Management: Do not combine.

Brands

International

Chloromycetin
Pfizer

India

Paraxin
Glaxo
Chlor-Vet
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Chloramphenicol?
Chloramphenicol is a amphenicol antibiotic used in pets. Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding reversibly to the 50S ribosomal subunit; bacteriostatic; broad-spectrum including anaerobes and intracellular organisms
›What is Chloramphenicol used for in pets?
Chloramphenicol is used in veterinary medicine for: Susceptible infections (CNS, ocular, rickettsial); Susceptible infections (avoid if alternatives exist).
›What is the Chloramphenicol dose for dogs?
For dogs, Chloramphenicol is typically dosed as follows — Susceptible infections (CNS, ocular, rickettsial): 25–50 mg/kg PO/IV/IM TID (q8h). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Chloramphenicol dose for cats?
For cats, Chloramphenicol is typically dosed as follows — Susceptible infections (avoid if alternatives exist): 12.5–25 mg/kg PO/IV BID (q12h). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Chloramphenicol?
Common: Anorexia, Vomiting, Diarrhoea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Dose-dependent bone marrow suppression, Aplastic anaemia (idiosyncratic, mainly humans), Optic neuritis.
›Does Chloramphenicol need a prescription?
Yes. Chloramphenicol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Chloramphenicol not be used?
Do not use Chloramphenicol if: Neonatal animals; Known bone marrow suppression.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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