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Streptomycin

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.

Precautions

See also Warning section.

Before using streptomycin injection, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as tobramycin, gentamicin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, hearing problems, dehydration, a certain muscle problem (myasthenia gravis), burns over a large area of skin, cystic fibrosis.

Streptomycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as BCG, typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using streptomycin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially kidney and hearing effects.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using streptomycin. Streptomycin may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or loss of appetite may occur. Pain/irritation/redness may occur at the injection site. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: muscle weakness, diarrhea that doesn't go away even after stopping this medication, easy bleeding/bruising, fast heartbeat, new signs of infections (such as cough that doesn't go away, high fever), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), unusual tiredness.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.