The Web Health

Streptomycin

Streptomycin [STREP-toe MYE-sin [STREP-toe-MYE-sin]
Dosage form: Intramuscular powder for injection (1000 mg)
Drug classes: Aminoglycosides, Streptomyces derivatives

What is Streptomycin?

Streptomycin is an antimicrobial used to treat severe to moderate tuberculosis, pneumonia caused by E. coli, influenza, plague, and other infections caused by specific bacteria.

Streptomycin is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for medication.

Side effects of Streptomycin

Contact emergency medical assistance when you are experiencing symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives, breathing problems, and swelling in your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever or burning eyes, sore throat, or skin irritation; the skin is red or purple with peeling and blisters).

Streptomycin could cause severe adverse effects. Consult your physician immediately in the event of:

  • Headache, nausea, vomiting;

  • Severe dizziness, spinning sensation, and balance problems;

  • Hearing loss A feeling of ear fullness or hearing loss; a roaring or ringing noise in your ear (during or following therapy with streptomycin);

  • Eye pain, vision problems;

  • Difficulties with concentration or memory issues with memory, personality changes, or behavior

  • Muscles weak in the form of weak breathing or shallow breathing;

  • Tremors, muscle twitching, seizures;

  • Numbness, pain, or tingly sensations;

  • Skin that is pale, yellow, or dehydrated, with no bruises or

  • Extreme stomach pains and diarrhea that is bloody or watery (even when it happens several months after the previous dose).

If your child receives streptomycin, consult your doctor immediately in the event of serious tiredness, breathing issues, or a severe weakness in the muscles. Your doses of streptomycin could be slowed or completely stopped in the event of specific adverse reactions.

Common negative side effects of streptomycin include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, 

  • Dizziness

  • Diarrhea;

  • Tingling, numbness, or swelling of your facial area;

  • Fever;

  • The rash 

  • Vaginal irritation or even discharge

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other effects may also be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar or related drugs

Arikayce, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, Azithromycin, Levofloxacin, and Ceftriaxone

Warnings

Streptomycin can cause damage to nerves or hearing loss, in particular if you suffer from kidney disease or take various other medications. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice a severe feeling of dizziness, hearing issues, vision problems, balance issues, difficulty getting your attention, or numbness.

Diarrhea could be a sign of a newly developed disease. Contact your physician. If you experience diarrhea that is swollen or contains blood, 

Before you take this drug

You shouldn't be treated with streptomycin if you are intolerant to streptomycin and related antibiotics like:

  • Amikacin;

  • Gentamicin,

  • Kanamycin;

  • Neomycin;

  • Paromomycin

  • Tobramycin.

Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

  • Hearing loss;

  • Kidney disease

  • HIV or AIDS

Streptomycin can harm a newborn baby. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy and notify your physician if you are pregnant.

Do not breastfeed when using streptomycin.

How to take Streptomycin?

Streptomycin is administered to muscles. The healthcare professional can show you how to apply the medication yourself. You could be offered other medicines to fight the disease. If you are using streptomycin for a in the long-term, you could receive medication to reduce the acidity of your urine. Continue to use these medications for the duration your doctor prescribes. Follow all instructions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.

The frequency at which you receive streptomycin and duration will be determined by the type of infection being treated. Certain infections may require to be treated using streptomycin for some time. Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosing extremely carefully.

Make sure to take this medication for the prescribed length of duration, even if symptoms do not improve immediately. Inadequate doses could increase your chances of contracting an illness that is resistant to treatment. Streptomycin is not able to treat viral illness like an illness called the flu or the commonly occurring cold. You'll need regular medical tests to assess the kidney and hearing function.

What happens If I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor for advice when you have missed a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

The use of antibiotics can trigger diarrhea and could be an indication of a new infection. If you are experiencing diarrhea that is bloody or watery consult your physician prior to applying anti-diarrhea medications.

Interaction with other drugs

Streptomycin could cause kidney and nerve damage, particularly if you utilize certain medicines to treat osteoporosis, cancer, infections, rejection of organ transplants, and bowel problems, as well as arthritis or pain (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Inform your doctor of the other medications you are taking, including diuretics (also known as water pills)."

Other medications can affect streptomycin. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medications you currently use and any medications you begin or stop taking.