Types

• Chloramphenicol is available in 250 mg and 500 mg capsules, 250 mg, 500 mg and 1000 mg tablets and as a 1 percent ophthalmic ointment for conjunctivitis.
  
  

Function

• Chloramphenicol interferes with bacterial protein synthesis, either killing the germs or eliminating their ability to reproduce. It's effective against both aerobic (oxygen-dependent) and anaerobic germs.
  
  

Other Uses

• Chloramphenicol, says Dr. Wendy C. Brooks, DVM of Veterinary Partner.com, also treats hypertrophic osteodystrophy, a painful condition affecting the long bones of young and growing giant breed dogs.
  
  

Time Frame

• Give both oral and topical chloramphenicol three times a day. Except for the several hours it needs to pass through the blood/brain barrier for nervous system infections, chloramphenicol begins disabling and killing bacteria in 30 minutes.
  
  

Side Effects

• Chloramphenicol may affect blood marrow function, interfering with the production of normal blood cells. Avoid using it in very young puppies that may not clear it from their systems effectively. Other side effects are mild diarrhea and nausea.