osudhkosh

Generic

Streptomycin

1 brands available in the market

At a glance

Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used for tuberculosis, bacterial endocarditis, plague, tularemia, and brucellosis. It exhibits bactericidal activity by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

Description

Streptomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic that binds to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis. Susceptible organisms include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pasteurella pestis, Brucella, H. influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus.

Indications
  • Tuberculosis
  • Bacterial endocarditis
  • Plague
  • Tularemia
  • Brucellosis
  • Bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia
  • Urinary tract infections
Therapeutic class

Aminoglycoside Antibiotic

Pharmacological class

30S Ribosomal Inhibitor

Pharmacology

Streptomycin binds to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting the initiation step of protein synthesis, preventing bacterial growth and spread. It is effective against a broad range of bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Mechanism of action

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.

Dosage

Adult Dose (IM):

  • Tuberculosis: 15 mg/kg/day (single dose); max 1 g/day
  • Tuberculosis (intermittent): 25-30 mg/kg 2-3 times weekly
  • Bacterial endocarditis: 1 g twice daily (streptococcal – 1 week; enterococcal – 2 weeks), then 500 mg twice daily
  • Plague: 2 g/day in 2 divided doses for 10 days
  • Tularemia: 1-2 g/day in divided doses for 7-14 days

Pediatric Dose (IM):

  • Tuberculosis: 20-40 mg/kg/day; max 1 g/day
  • Severe infections: 20-30 mg/kg/day; max 1 g/day
Administration
  • Deep intramuscular injection
  • Reconstitution: Add 4.2 mL, 3.2 mL, or 1.8 mL sterile water (for 200, 250, or 400 mg/mL solution respectively)
Missed dose

If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.

Side effects

Side Effects:

  • Neurotoxic reactions (vestibular and cochlear dysfunction, optic nerve dysfunction, peripheral neuritis)
  • Facial paresthesia
  • Rash, fever, angioneurotic edema
  • Azotemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
Precautions & warnings
  • Caution in neuromuscular disorders (myasthenia gravis), pre-existing vertigo, or hearing loss
  • Caution in renal impairment, elderly, children
  • Caution in pregnancy and lactation
  • Monitor renal and auditory function
Contraindications
  • Hypersensitivity to streptomycin and other aminoglycosides
Drug interactions
  • H1-receptor blockers: May mask early signs of ototoxicity
  • Zalcitabine: May reduce excretion
  • Other aminoglycosides, vancomycin, some cephalosporins: Potentiate nephrotoxicity (potentially fatal)
  • Ethacrynic acid, mannitol, furosemide: Potentiate ototoxicity (potentially fatal)
Food interactions

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Streptomycin; consult your doctor.

Use in pregnancy

Use in Pregnancy: Adequate information not available; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.

Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

Use in lactation

Use in Lactation: Information not available; caution required; consult your doctor.

Pediatric use

Indicated for children (weight-based dosing)

Geriatric use

Caution required in elderly patients (monitor renal function)

Renal / hepatic impairment

Renal Impairment: Load: 1 g IM; CrCl 50-80: 7.5 mg/kg q24hr; CrCl 10-50: 7.5 mg/kg q24-72hr; CrCl <10: 7.5 mg/kg q72-96hr; Hemodialysis: 50-75% of initial loading dose at end of dialysis; consult your doctor.

Hepatic Impairment: Caution required; consult your doctor.

Overdose effects

Overdose may cause neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neuromuscular blockade; provide symptomatic and supportive treatment; hemodialysis is effective.

Storage conditions

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.

Chemical structure

Streptomycin

Common questions

What does this medicine do?
It helps treat tuberculosis, plague, tularemia, and bacterial endocarditis.
How to use it?
Given as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional.
What are the side effects?
Hearing loss, vertigo, kidney problems, allergic reactions, etc. may occur.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.