which antibiotic should not be ground up and should take care when handling due to a risk of fatal aplastic anemia in humans?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The antibiotic that should not be ground up and should be handled with care due to a risk of fatal aplastic anemia is Chloramphenicol.
Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. However, it has a well-documented risk of causing aplastic anemia, a rare but potentially fatal condition where the bone marrow stops producing sufficient blood cells, leading to severe anemia, bleeding, and increased susceptibility to infections.
One of the main concerns with chloramphenicol is its potential to cause idiosyncratic reactions in susceptible individuals. These reactions are unpredictable and can develop even with short-term use. Aplastic anemia can result from direct toxicity to the bone marrow, leading to a failure in the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The exact mechanism by which chloramphenicol causes this condition is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve its interaction with mitochondrial protein synthesis in bone marrow cells.
Chloramphenicol is also associated with other serious side effects such as gray baby syndrome in neonates, which is characterized by vomiting, abdominal distension, and even death due to the accumulation of the drug in the bloodstream due to their underdeveloped liver function.
Given these severe risks, it is important that chloramphenicol is used with caution. This includes not crushing or breaking the tablets, as the powdered form can be absorbed through the skin and may pose a risk to those who handle it. Proper protective measures, such as gloves, should be used when handling the medication, especially when preparing or administering it.
Because of the risks associated with chloramphenicol, its use is generally reserved for cases where no other alternatives are available, and it is often prescribed under strict medical supervision.