thiamphenicol

Thiamphenicol is a semisynthetic derivative of chloramphenicol and belongs to the amphenicol class of antibiotics. It acts as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with particular efficacy against anaerobes. Thiamphenicol inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing peptide bond formation. It is considered 2.5 to 5 times more potent than chloramphenicol and has not been associated with aplastic anemia—a serious adverse effect linked to chloramphenicol use[4][5]. Thiamphenicol is used in human medicine in countries such as China, Morocco, Italy, and Brazil (notably for sexually transmitted infections like pelvic inflammatory disease), but it is also widely used in veterinary medicine for treating infectious diseases in cattle, pigs, and poultry[4][5]. The drug can be administered orally or parenterally (IV/IM) and is primarily excreted unchanged via the kidneys[4][5]. Its main mechanism of action is bacteriostatic inhibition of protein synthesis; at higher concentrations it may be bactericidal for some species[5].

Brand names

UrfamycinGlitisol

Other names

thiamphenicol glycinate acetylcysteine