Used primarily as a water-soluble prodrug in pharmaceutical formulations, this compound is administered intravenously or intramuscularly to treat serious bacterial infections when oral therapy is not feasible. It is especially effective against typhoid fever, meningitis, and rickettsial diseases. Once injected, it is rapidly hydrolyzed in the body to release chloramphenicol, the active antibacterial agent. Its use is generally reserved for severe infections due to potential side effects such as bone marrow suppression. Commonly found in hospital settings where broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage is urgently needed and resistance to other antibiotics is a concern.