[1] It is the methyl-sulfonyl analogue of chloramphenicol and has a similar spectrum of activity, but is 2.5 to 5 times as potent.

Like chloramphenicol, it is insoluble in water, but highly soluble in lipids.

It is used in many countries as a veterinary antibiotic, but is available in China, Morocco and Italy for use in humans.

[2] Thiamphenicol is also widely used in Brazil, particularly for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease.

[3] Unlike chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol is not readily metabolized in cattle, poultry, sheep, or humans, but is predominantly excreted unchanged.