Which adverse effect is most classically associated with chloramphenicol?

• A. Aplastic anemia
• B. Nephrotoxicity
• C. Hepatotoxicity
• D. Peripheral neuropathy

Answer: (A)

Chloramphenicol is chiefly known for causing bone marrow suppression that can lead to aplastic anemia, a rare but severe and often irreversible condition that may develop weeks after starting therapy. This association is so strong that it governs how the drug is used and monitored, with blood counts checked regularly during treatment. In neonates, another notable risk is gray baby syndrome from limited drug metabolism, but the hallmark adverse effect in adults is aplastic anemia. Nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity can occur with many drugs, but they are not the defining response linked to chloramphenicol. Peripheral neuropathy is not typical for this antibiotic.