What should be monitored when using Chloramphenicol due to its toxicity?

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Prepare for the Antimicrobials Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and detailed explanations. Thoroughly ready yourself for the exam!

When using Chloramphenicol, it is essential to monitor the complete blood count (CBC) due to the drug's potential to cause bone marrow suppression, which can lead to various hematological conditions, including aplastic anemia and other blood dyscrasias. Chloramphenicol can cause suppression of red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet production, resulting in anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia respectively. Regular monitoring of the CBC allows for the early detection of these adverse effects, enabling timely intervention if blood cell counts fall to dangerous levels.

Renal function, liver enzymes, and electrolytes are important to monitor in different contexts, but they are not the primary concerns associated with Chloramphenicol's toxicity. While renal and liver functions should always be assessed with any medication due to potential side effects or drug metabolism issues, they are not specific indicators of the toxicities associated with Chloramphenicol. Therefore, focusing on the complete blood count is crucial in safely managing the therapy with this antimicrobial agent.

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