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)
Your notes
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.