azidamfenicol

Azidamfenicol is a synthetic amphenicol antibiotic structurally related to chloramphenicol, developed as a semi-synthetic derivative in which the nitro group of chloramphenicol is replaced with an azidoacetamide moiety. It acts as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent with good activity against Gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria. Azidamfenicol is used exclusively in topical formulations (eye drops and ointments) for the treatment of ocular infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Its mechanism of action involves binding to the 23S rRNA component of the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby inhibiting peptidyl transferase activity and preventing protein chain elongation during bacterial protein synthesis[1][4][5][6]. The drug has marketing authorization in some countries (such as Greece and Cyprus), but it is not approved by major regulatory agencies like EMA or FDA[4]. It was originally synthesized at Bayer in 1959[6].

Brand names

ThilocofBerlicetin

Other names

azidamfenicolumazidanfenicolazidoamphenicolleukomycin N