Streptomycin
Information about Streptomycin
Streptomycin uses
Streptomycin is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
How streptomycin works
Streptomycin 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 streptomycin
Vomiting, Nausea, Vertigo, Fever, Facial paresthesia, Rash, Urticaria, Increased white blood cell count (eosinophils), Deafness, Exfoliative dermatitis, Renal toxicity, Azotemia (increased nitrogen containing compounds level in blood), Hemolytic anemia, Muscle weakness, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Anaphylactic reaction, Lazy eye, Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets)
Available Medicine for Streptomycin
Expert advice for Streptomycin
- Streptomycin 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 Streptomycin 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 Streptomycin 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 Streptomycin
Streptomycin
Q. What should I know before starting treatment with Streptomycin?
Before starting treatment with Streptomycin, audiometry test and kidney function tests must be done. These tests are required to check the present condition of ears and kidneys as Streptomycin can affect their functioning. Therefore, patients with known kidney disease are treated with Streptomycin only if the benefits outweigh the risks involved. Regular monitoring of kidney function is also recommended throughout the treatment with Streptomycin. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine.
Q. How is Streptomycin administered?
Streptomycin should be administered into a muscle (intramuscularly) under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only and should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on your condition and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Streptomycin.
Q. Can I take a higher than the recommended dose of this medicine?
No, Streptomycin should be taken in the recommended dose only. Overdose of Streptomycin can increase the risks of side effects. If you experience an increase in the severity of your symptoms during the treatment, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.