Which of the following is a side effect of using chloramphenicol?

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic known for its broad-spectrum activity. One of the significant and dangerous side effects associated with its use, especially in newborns, is known as gray baby syndrome. This condition arises because newborns have immature liver enzyme systems that are not fully developed, leading to an inability to adequately metabolize and clear chloramphenicol from their system.

As a result, the accumulation of the drug can lead to a variety of symptoms, most notably a grayish discoloration of the infant's skin, hypotension, and respiratory distress, mimicking signs of sepsis. This side effect is particularly concerning when chloramphenicol is administered to pregnant women or directly to neonates.

Understanding this specific side effect is crucial for healthcare professionals when considering the use of chloramphenicol, as it emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and restriction of the medication in vulnerable populations like infants. Other side effects listed, while important, do not have the same specific association with chloramphenicol’s use in pediatrics.