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Chloramphenicol

FDA-approved product (solution/drops, ophthalmic), marketed as Chloramphenicol, Chlorofair, Chloromycetin and 5 more.

Registered studies
23
Lab records
42
Pathogens at ≥40%
0 of 4

Chemical structure

Chemical structure of Chloramphenicol
A drawing shows what the molecule is, not what it does.

Existing / approved use

Documented · FDA, WHO, ChEMBL

Approved for

  • Acne
  • Bacterial disease
  • Eye infection

Indications ChEMBL records as approved, from FDA and DailyMed labels.

WHO therapeutic group
Other antibiotics for topical use; Antiinfectives for treatment of acne; Antibiotics; Amphenicols; Antiinfectives
Anti-infective classification
Classified as an existing antimicrobial.WHO ATC D10AF03; WHO ATC J01BA01; WHO ATC D06AX02; WHO ATC G01AA05; WHO ATC S01AA01

Repurposing investigation

Chloramphenicol is already an antimicrobial, so it is not counted among the repurposing candidates. Its AI-predicted activity is shown below for reference.

AI-predicted activity

AI prediction · nothing measured
  • MRSA30.1% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates. This medicine was in the model's training data, so this is recall, not a new prediction.
  • E. coli36.3% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates. This medicine was in the model's training data, so this is recall, not a new prediction.
  • K. pneumoniae14.9% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates. This medicine was in the model's training data, so this is recall, not a new prediction.
  • M. tuberculosis27.5% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.

A model’s estimate of laboratory activity against each pathogen species. It is not clinical effectiveness.

Evidence

Clinical and experimental

Documented evidence

Clinical

23registered studies name this medicine, for any condition. See them below.

Experimental

  • MRSA: measured active in 0 of 3 lab records
  • E. coli: measured active in 2 of 2 lab records
  • K. pneumoniae: measured active in 21 of 37 lab records
Show the 42 laboratory records, with sources

Loading records…

“Active” means the measured value reached this project’s laboratory cutoff (10 µM or stronger). A laboratory result does not show an effect in patients.

Docking

Computational · nothing measured

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (E. coli)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

KPC-2 carbapenemase ↗ (K. pneumoniae)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) ↗ (M. tuberculosis)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (MRSA)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

AutoDock Vina, one experimentally solved protein per pathogen. This project’s screening target is -7.0 kcal/mol, its own mark rather than a universal cutoff. A docking score is a structural hypothesis, not proof of binding, and requires experimental validation.

Other medicines to investigate

AI prediction · nothing measured

Other repurposing candidates: approved medicines besides Chloramphenicol with AI-predicted activity ≥40% against the chosen pathogen, leaving out existing antimicrobials. They are computational candidates for further investigation, not alternatives and not recommendations.

Sorted by AI-predicted activity, high to low. The order is not a ranking of which medicine is better.

Registered studies

A registration describes a study; it does not establish a positive result.

  • Clinical, Dermoscopic, and Mycological Evaluations of Resistant Dermatophytosis

    NCT07796854 · start 2026-10-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07796854
    Conditions
    Fungal Skin Infection; Tinea Corporis
    Interventions
    Direct microscopic KOH examination; Culture:; Antifungal susceptibility testing:; Conventional PCR:
    Study type
    OBSERVATIONAL
    Phase
    Not recorded
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2026-10-01
    Completion
    2027-08-20
    Enrolment
    100

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionFungal Skin Infection; Tinea Corporis
    InterventionDirect microscopic KOH examination; Culture:; Antifungal susceptibility testing:; Conventional PCR:
    PhaseNot recorded
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • Clinical, Dermoscopic, and Mycological Characteristics of Tinea Capitis in Children

    NCT07802600 · start 2026-09-20

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07802600
    Conditions
    Fungal Infection by Site; Tinea Capitis
    Interventions
    Dermoscopic examination: the findings are divided into pathognomic and non-specific signs; Direct Microscopy (KOH) examination; Fungal culture:; Antifungal sensitivity:
    Study type
    OBSERVATIONAL
    Phase
    Not recorded
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2026-09-20
    Completion
    2027-08-20
    Enrolment
    100

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionFungal Infection by Site; Tinea Capitis
    InterventionDermoscopic examination: the findings are divided into pathognomic and non-specific signs; Direct Microscopy (KOH) examination; Fungal culture:; Antifungal sensitivity:
    PhaseNot recorded
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, Zinc Oxide and Eugenol Paste (CTZ Paste) for Emergency Dental Treatment in Public Health Settings: A Randomized Trial

    NCT07542639 · start 2026-06-08

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07542639
    Conditions
    Pulp Disease, Dental; Pulp Necrosis; Pulp Therapy in Primary Molars; Primary Teeth; Pulpectomy; Endodontics; Dental Care for Children; Treatment Outcome; Quality of Life; Health Services Accessibility
    Interventions
    CTZ Paste; ZOE Pulpectomy
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Early phase 1
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2026-06-08
    Completion
    2028-02-28
    Enrolment
    110

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionPulp Disease, Dental; Pulp Necrosis; Pulp Therapy in Primary Molars; Primary Teeth +6 more
    InterventionCTZ Paste; ZOE Pulpectomy
    PhaseEarly phase 1
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair Antibiotic Paste Versus Zinc Oxide and Eugenol Pulpectomy for Treatment of Primary Molars With Pulp Necrosis

    NCT07475364 · start 2026-05-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07475364
    Conditions
    Pulp Necrosis
    Interventions
    Group A - LSTR Therapy (CTZ Paste); Group B - ZOE Pulpectomy
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2026-05-01
    Completion
    2027-05-01
    Enrolment
    180

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionPulp Necrosis
    InterventionGroup A - LSTR Therapy (CTZ Paste); Group B - ZOE Pulpectomy
    PhasePhase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • Efficacy of Guedes-Pinto Paste and CTZ Paste in the Non-instrumental Endodontic Treatment of Primary Teeth

    NCT04587089 · start 2023-08-20

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04587089
    Conditions
    Necrotic Pulp
    Interventions
    Irrigation; Filling with Guedes-Pinto Paste; Filling with CTZ Paste
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2023-08-20
    Completion
    2024-06-20
    Enrolment
    120

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionNecrotic Pulp
    InterventionIrrigation; Filling with Guedes-Pinto Paste; Filling with CTZ Paste
    PhasePhase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Studying the Distribution of Accessory Gene Regulator (Agr) Quorum Sensing System and the Prevalence of Linezolid and Mupirocin Resistance in Biofilm Producer/Non Producer Staphylococcus Aureus in Sohag University Hospitals

    NCT06291181 · start 2023-01-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06291181
    Conditions
    Staphylococcus Aureus
    Interventions
    antibiotic sensitivity test
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2023-01-01
    Completion
    2023-06-30
    Enrolment
    265

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionStaphylococcus Aureus
    Interventionantibiotic sensitivity test
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Non-instrumentation Root Canal Treatment of Primary Molars

    NCT04942158 · start 2021-10-04

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04942158
    Conditions
    Dental Pulp Diseases; Dental Pulp Necrosis
    Interventions
    Non-instrumentation technique with use of CTZ paste; Instrumentation technique and filling with Zinc Oxide and Eugenol paste
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2021-10-04
    Completion
    2025-04-30
    Enrolment
    180

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionDental Pulp Diseases; Dental Pulp Necrosis
    InterventionNon-instrumentation technique with use of CTZ paste; Instrumentation technique and filling with Zinc Oxide and Eugenol paste
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Evaluation of Lacrimal Punctal Changes by Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography AS-OCT After Topical Combined Antibiotics and Steroids Treatment in Cases of Inflammatory Punctual Stenosis

    NCT05028907 · start 2020-11-15

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05028907
    Conditions
    Ophthalmopathy , Lacrimal System
    Interventions
    5 mg chloramphenicol, 1 mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate, 0.25 mg tetryzoline hydrochloride, 2 mg Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, 10 mg α-tocopherol acetate and 8 mg macrogol 400).; sodium hyaluronate, polyethylene and propylene glycol based) three times daily for three months
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2020-11-15
    Completion
    2021-07-15
    Enrolment
    64

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionOphthalmopathy , Lacrimal System
    Intervention5 mg chloramphenicol, 1 mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate, 0.25 mg tetryzoline hydrochloride, 2 mg Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, 10 mg α-tocopherol acetate and 8 mg macrogol 400).; sodium hyaluronate, polyethylene and propylene glycol based) three times daily for three months
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Effects of LiveSpo X-secret in Supporting Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

    NCT05783856 · start 2020-05-03

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05783856
    Conditions
    Sexually Transmitted Diseases
    Interventions
    LiveSpo X-secret; 0.9% NaCl physiological saline
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2020-05-03
    Completion
    2023-03-31
    Enrolment
    100

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionSexually Transmitted Diseases
    InterventionLiveSpo X-secret; 0.9% NaCl physiological saline
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Lubricating Eye Drops After Routine Cataract Surgery

    NCT04465071 · start 2020-02-24

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04465071
    Conditions
    Dry Eye; Cataract
    Interventions
    AEONTM Repair and AEONTM Protect Plus lubricating eye drops
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2020-02-24
    Completion
    2022-08-31
    Enrolment
    79

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionDry Eye; Cataract
    InterventionAEONTM Repair and AEONTM Protect Plus lubricating eye drops
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Use of Prophylactic Lubricating Drops After Cataract Surgery

    NCT04131335 · start 2019-10-14

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04131335
    Conditions
    Dry Eye; Cataract Surgery; Patient Related Outcome Measures; Patient Satisfaction
    Interventions
    AEONTM Repair; Routine post-operative eye drops used.
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2019-10-14
    Completion
    2020-06
    Enrolment
    168

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionDry Eye; Cataract Surgery; Patient Related Outcome Measures; Patient Satisfaction
    InterventionAEONTM Repair; Routine post-operative eye drops used.
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Antibiotic Profile of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated in Public Hospitals in Northern Jordan

    NCT05106803 · start 2019-08-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05106803
    Conditions
    Bacterial Infections; Antibiotic Resistant Infection; Surgical Site Infection
    Interventions
    ciprofloxacin
    Study type
    OBSERVATIONAL
    Phase
    Not recorded
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2019-08-01
    Completion
    2019-10-01
    Enrolment
    24

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionBacterial Infections; Antibiotic Resistant Infection; Surgical Site Infection
    Interventionciprofloxacin
    PhaseNot recorded
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Fungal Infections in Patients With Hematological Malignancies

    NCT03650439 · start 2018-10-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03650439
    Conditions
    Fungal Infection
    Interventions
    culture on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA)
    Study type
    OBSERVATIONAL
    Phase
    Not recorded
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2018-10-01
    Completion
    2019-10-31
    Enrolment
    50

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionFungal Infection
    Interventionculture on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA)
    PhaseNot recorded
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Aqueous Release to Treat IOP Spikes Post-cataract Surgery

    NCT03500809 · start 2018-08-12

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03500809
    Conditions
    Post-Op Complication; Raised Ocular Pressure
    Interventions
    Aqueous release of the wound
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2018-08-12
    Completion
    2019-07-12
    Enrolment
    20

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionPost-Op Complication; Raised Ocular Pressure
    InterventionAqueous release of the wound
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Root Canal Treatment in Primary Molars With Necrotic Pulp Using Two Different Pulp Therapies

    NCT03650036 · start 2018-06-04

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03650036
    Conditions
    Dental Pulp Necrosis
    Interventions
    Pulp Therapy CTZ Paste; Pulp Therapy ZOE Paste
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2018-06-04
    Completion
    2022-03-04
    Enrolment
    86

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionDental Pulp Necrosis
    InterventionPulp Therapy CTZ Paste; Pulp Therapy ZOE Paste
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusCompleted