High quality API Florfenicol CAS 73231-34-2/76639-94-6 supplied by Manufacturer

Details:

Florfenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic primarily used in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. Here's a detailed overview:

Classification & Mechanism

Class: Amphenicol (a derivative of chloramphenicol, modified to reduce human toxicity).

Action:

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide bond formation (bacteriostatic/bactericidal depending on concentration).

Effective against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including strains resistant to other antibiotics.

Primary Uses

1. Livestock:

   • Treats respiratory infections in cattle (e.g., bovine respiratory disease caused by Mannheimia haemolytica).

   • Used in pigs for Streptococcus suis infections and swine respiratory disease.

   • Administered orally, via injection, or in feed/water.

2. Aquaculture:

   • Controls bacterial diseases in fish (e.g., furunculosis in salmon caused by Aeromonas salmonicida).

   • Delivered via medicated feed.

3. Poultry:

   • Occasionally used for Escherichia coli and Pasteurella infections.

Advantages Over Chloramphenicol

Safer: Lacks the nitro group linked to chloramphenicol’s human toxicity (e.g., aplastic anemia).

Approved for food animals: Unlike chloramphenicol, it has defined withdrawal periods to ensure meat/milk safety.

Safety & Side Effects

• Animals:

  • Generally well-tolerated, but may cause:

    • Mild gastrointestinal upset (e.g., diarrhea).

    • Injection-site reactions.

    • Rare allergic responses.

• Humans:

  • Not approved for human use due to potential antibiotic resistance risks.

• Environmental Concerns:

  • Residues in aquaculture systems may impact microbial ecosystems.

Resistance & Regulation

• Resistance Mechanisms:

  • Efflux pumps, ribosomal mutations, or enzymatic inactivation (e.g., floR gene).

• Regulatory Limits:

  • Strict withdrawal periods (e.g., 28 days for cattle) to avoid residues in food.

  • Banned in organic farming in some regions (e.g., EU).

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after injection or oral administration.

Metabolism: Primarily hepatic, forming inactive metabolites.

Excretion: Via urine and bile.

Brand Names & Formulations

Examples: Nuflor® (cattle), Aquaflor® (fish), Resflor® (pigs).

Forms: Injectable solutions, oral powders, medicated feed.

Key Considerations

Alternatives: Use judiciously to curb resistance; alternatives include macrolides or β-lactams.

Global Use: Widely used in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, but regulations vary.

Florfenicol is a critical tool in veterinary medicine, balancing efficacy with safety for animals and food production. Always follow veterinary guidelines to minimize resistance and environmental impact.