Q: What is the advantage of "oily Chloramphanicol"?



Answer: Oily chloramphenicol is the oil based solution of chloramphenicol. It is a long-acting preparation of chloramphenicol.

Oily chloramphenicol is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first line treatment of meningitis in low-income countries. It has the great advantage of requiring only a single injection.

Though not very much in use in USA due to its bone marrow toxicity it is essential for intensivists to be aware of advantage of this drug. It has excellent blood brain barrier penetration with activity against a wide variety of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and anaerobic organisms .