Drug
Streptomycin
Pronounced
"strep-toe-MYE-sin"
Uses
This medication is used with other medications to treat active tuberculosis (TB) infection if you cannot take other drugs for TB or if you have a type of TB that cannot be treated with other drugs (drug-resistant TB). Streptomycin belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by killing the organisms that cause the infection.
This drug may also be used to treat other serious infections (such as Mycobacterium avium complex-MAC, tularemia, endocarditis, plague) along with other medications.
Warning
This medication can sometimes cause serious nerve damage, possibly resulting in permanent hearing loss and balance problems. The risk is higher if you have kidney disease, if you are receiving high doses of this medication, if you use this drug for a long time, if you are an older adult (older than 60 years), or if you develop a severe loss of body water (become dehydrated). To reduce the risk of dehydration, drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Before starting streptomycin, tell your doctor if you already have kidney or hearing problems.
Tell your doctor right away if you notice ringing/roaring in the ears, headache, hearing loss, balance problems, unusual drowsiness, dizziness, vision changes, or numbness/tingling of the skin.
Your doctor will monitor your progress to reduce the risk of these side effects and may test your hearing, kidneys, and streptomycin blood level. This medication may be stopped if you develop kidney problems or hearing problems.
If possible, you should avoid using any other medications that may harm the kidneys or nerves while using streptomycin (such as cidofovir, cisplatin, cyclosporine, other aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin/tobramycin, among others).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. This drug may affect many of the drugs used during surgery and may increase your risk of side effects.
How to Use This Medication
This medication is given by injection into a muscle as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, streptomycin blood levels, and response to treatment.
When you start treatment for TB, this medication is usually given once a day or as directed by your doctor. Medication to treat tuberculosis is usually used for 9 months or longer. After you receive streptomycin daily for 1 to 2 months, your doctor may direct you to receive this medication less often (such as 2 to 3 times a week). Your doctor may direct you to stop using this medication before stopping your other TB medications. It is very important to keep using streptomycin and your other medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Do not stop taking this medication (or other TB medicines/antibiotics) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may worsen side effects or make the infection (especially TB) more difficult to treat (resistant). If TB becomes resistant to this medication, it might also become resistant to other TB medications.
For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.
Tell your doctor right away if your infection symptoms return (such as fever, chills, body aches) while you are using this medication or after you stop using it.