Carsalam
[CAS# 2037-95-8]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Other chemicals
• Name: Carsalam
• Synonyms: 2H-1,3-Benzoxazine-2,4(3H)-dione
• Molecular Formula: C₈H₅NO₃
• Molecular Weight: 163.13
• CAS Registry Number: 2037-95-8
• EC Number: 606-541-4
• SMILES: C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=O)NC(=O)O2

Properties

• Solubility: 40 mg/mL (DMSO) (Expl.)
• Density: 1.4±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*
• Melting point: 228-232 °C (Expl.)
• Index of Refraction: 1.586, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302
• Safety Statements: P264-P270-P301+P317-P330-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319

Discovery and Applications

Carsalam, also known as chloramphenicol, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic first discovered in the 1940s. It was originally derived from the bacterium *Streptomyces venezuelae* and was later synthesized in the laboratory. Carsalam was initially used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, especially those caused by gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. Its discovery marked a significant advancement in the treatment of bacterial infections and has been instrumental in saving countless lives.

The application of Carsalam in medicine became widespread after its approval for use in humans in the 1940s. It was one of the first antibiotics to be widely available and was used extensively during World War II to treat infections in soldiers. Over time, however, its use declined due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance and concerns over side effects, such as bone marrow suppression. Despite these challenges, Carsalam remains an important compound in medical research, particularly for situations where other antibiotics may be ineffective.

In the clinical setting, Carsalam is most commonly used to treat serious infections like meningitis, typhoid fever, and certain respiratory tract infections. Its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier makes it particularly valuable in the treatment of central nervous system infections. However, due to its potential toxicity, its use is often limited to severe cases where other antibiotics cannot provide adequate treatment.

Beyond its application as an antibiotic, Carsalam has also found use in veterinary medicine, particularly in the treatment of infections in livestock. It is effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens and has been used to treat conditions in animals, including infections of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal system. In some regions, the use of Carsalam in food-producing animals has raised concerns about the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, prompting calls for more careful regulation of its use.

Carsalam is also an important compound in research and drug development. Its mechanism of action, which involves inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis, has provided valuable insights into the function of ribosomes and the development of other antibiotics. Researchers have studied Carsalam to develop analogs with improved safety profiles or enhanced activity against resistant bacteria.

In conclusion, Carsalam is a significant antibiotic with a long history of use in treating bacterial infections. Although its application has decreased due to the rise of resistance and potential side effects, it remains an important compound in both human and veterinary medicine. Ongoing research into its mechanism of action and its use in combination therapies continues to offer promise in the fight against resistant bacterial strains.

References

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