This document discusses the antibiotic chloramphenicol. It has a broad spectrum of activity against many types of bacteria including both gram-positive and gram-negative. It is bacteriostatic against most bacteria but bactericidal against Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and oral/vaginal candidiasis. Rare but serious side effects include bone marrow suppression and aplastic anemia from prolonged use.