![]() A-Z Indexes Food Health Guides
Health News |
StreptomycinPronounced"strep-toe-MYE-sin" UsesThis 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. How to Use This MedicationThis 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. |