Used primarily as a water-soluble prodrug in pharmaceutical formulations, this compound is administered intravenously or intramuscularly when oral delivery is not feasible. It is converted in the body to chloramphenicol, which exerts broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Commonly employed in the treatment of serious infections such as typhoid fever, meningitis, and rickettsial diseases, especially in resource-limited settings where alternatives may be unavailable. Its use is generally reserved for severe cases due to potential toxicity, including bone marrow suppression. Also found in ophthalmic preparations for bacterial eye infections when systemic absorption must be minimized.