Streptomycin is used to treat tuberculosis and other bacterial infections.
What is Streptomycin?
Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside. It is an antibiotic that kills bacteria sensitive to its action by blocking the synthesis of proteins necessary for the survival of the microbe.
How should Streptomycin be taken?
Streptomycin is typically administered via injection by a physician.
Side effects associated with Streptomycin
The most common side effect of streptomycin is diarrhea. It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Burning, numbness or tingling sensation
- Movement and coordination problems
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Headache
- Hearing loss
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Convulsions
- Symptoms of kidney problems (changes in urination or strange colored urine)
- Difficulty breathing
- Tics
- Fatigue or weakness
- Vomiting
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Streptomycin
Streptomycin can intoxicate the nerves, especially in case of kidney problems, severe muscle aches or respiratory problems. Prolonged use of this antibiotic can cause a second infection.
Before starting treatment with streptomycin, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active ingredient , its excipients, any other drugs (particularly other antibiotics ) or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, bacitracin, cephalosporins, cisplatin, colistin, cyclosporine, diuretics, mannitol, paromomycin, polymyxin B or vancomycin
- You suffer (or have suffered) from hearing problems, nerve or muscle problems, Parkinson's disease or kidney disorders
- You are suffering from dehydration
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is also important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with streptomycin.
