Streptomycin (By injection)
strep-toe-MYE-sin
Treats tuberculosis (TB) and other serious infections.Belongs to a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Drug classes
Antibiotic, Antitubercular (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Streptomycin injection is used to treat moderate to severe bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.
Streptomycin belongs to the class of medicines known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Streptomycin injection is usually used for serious bacterial infections for which other medicines may not work. However, it may also cause some serious side effects, including damage to your hearing and sense of balance. These side effects may be more likely to occur in elderly patients and newborn infants. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks.
This medicine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how often it should be given.
Keep using this medicine for as long as your doctor ordered, even if you feel better. If you stop the medicine too soon, your infection may not completely go away.
An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (thigh or buttocks).
This medicine should be given by a nurse or other caregiver trained to give IM medicine. Sometimes you, a family member, or a friend can be taught to give your medicine.
Before you have your shot, look at the medicine. The liquid should be clear.
If a dose is missed:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
You should not use the medicine if it changes color or has lumps, specks, or solid pieces in it.
If you have your shots at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
If you have your shots at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles and other supplies. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Do not share your needles, syringes, or medicine with anyone else.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any other antibiotic medicines such as amikacin (Amikin®), gentamicin, netilmicin (Netromycin®), tobramycin, or vancomycin or any “water pills” such as Lasix® or Edecrin®. These medicines taken with streptomycin may increase the risk of hearing problems.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to streptomycin or other aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, or tobramycin.
Warnings
This medicine may cause hearing loss. Call your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your hearing or if you have headaches, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
Your doctor may want to test your hearing regularly while you are taking streptomycin. Tell your doctor if you already have hearing problems before you are given this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or myasthenia gravis.
If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while being treated with this medicine. Streptomycin taken during a pregnancy may cause hearing problems in an unborn baby.
If your infection does not improve or if it gets worse while taking this medicine, call your doctor.
This medicine may contain a sulfite. Make sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to sulfites or have asthma.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Dizziness or trouble standing, vomiting
Ringing or roaring noises
Feeling pressure in your ears
Trouble hearing or any changes in your hearing
Trouble seeing or any changes in your eyesight
Burning, tingling, or numbness in your face
Swelling of the face, throat, or lips
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Urinating less than one cup in a day
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild diarrhea
Nausea or upset stomach
Pain where the IM shot was given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
