Capreomycin
Information about Capreomycin
Capreomycin uses
Capreomycin is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
How capreomycin works
Capreomycin is an antibiotic. It stops bacterial growth by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.
Common side effects of capreomycin
Ototoxicity, Abnormal liver function tests, Increased white blood cell count (eosinophils), Renal toxicity, Hypersensitivity, Injection site induration (hardening of a normally soft tissue or organ), Decreased potassium level in blood, Decreased calcium level in blood, High white blood cell count, Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Low blood platelets, Neuromuscular blockade, Bleeding disorder, Sterile abscesses, Respiratory arrest
Available Medicine for Capreomycin
Expert advice for Capreomycin
- Capreomycin is used for the treatment of tuberculosis, in combination with other medicines.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
- It is given by an injection into a muscle.
- Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Capreomycin may cause dizziness.
- Your doctor may get regular blood, urine, and hearing tests while you are on this medication.
- Your doctor will ensure that you are well hydrated before and during treatment with this medicine.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
- Discontinue Capreomycin and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
Frequently asked questions for Capreomycin
Capreomycin
Q. What is Capreomycin? What is it used for?
Capreomycin belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics. It is used to treat tuberculosis (TB) that has become resistant to other medicines that are used commonly for its management. Capreomycin is used in combination with other anti-tuberculosis medicines when the primary agents (isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin and ethambutol) have been ineffective or cannot be used because of toxicity or the presence of resistant bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
Q. Who should not be treated with Capreomycin?
People who are allergic to Capreomycin or any of its ingredients should avoid using Capreomycin. Along with that, people who have or ever had problems with kidneys or creatinine levels should remain cautious while taking Capreomycin. It is advised to inform your doctor about any health issues that you have or ever had in the past to avoid any complications.
Q. What should I know before starting treatment with Capreomycin?
Before starting treatment with Capreomycin, audiometry test and kidney function tests must be done. These tests are required to check the present condition of ears and kidneys as Capreomycin can affect their functioning. Therefore, patients with known kidney disease are treated with Capreomycin only if the benefits outweigh the risks involved. Since hypokalemia (low potassium levels) may occur during Capreomycin therapy, serum potassium levels should also be determined frequently along with regular monitoring of kidney function. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine.