Streptomycin
About Streptomycin
Streptomycin belongs to the group of medicines called 'anti-tuberculosis', primarily used to treat and prevent bacterial infections like tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, influenza, plague and other infections. Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs but can also spread to other body parts such as the kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Streptomycin does not work against infections caused by the virus.
Streptomycin contains Streptomycin, an antibiotic that prevents the production of an enzyme known as mycolic acids by bacteria essential for cell wall formation (protective coating). Thereby, bacteria get killed without a cell wall and burst due to disruption in their metabolism. Thus, Streptomycin is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes TB (tuberculosis) and prevents further infection.
Take Streptomycin as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Streptomycin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it based on your medical condition. Sometimes, you may experience a skin rash, vomiting, nausea, vertigo, fever and dizziness. Most of these side effects of Streptomycin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Streptomycin or other medicines. Disclose your doctor before taking Streptomycin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Streptomycin may cause nerve problems, fits or optic neuritis (swelling of the optic nerve that may cause vision loss) in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you experience these symptoms after taking Streptomycin. If you have diabetes, dehydration, kidney or liver problems, or have suffered from psychosis (mental disturbances), inform your doctor before taking Streptomycin.
Uses of Streptomycin
Medicinal Benefits
Streptomycin contains Streptomycin, primarily used to treat and prevent bacterial infections like tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, influenza and plague. It is an antibiotic that prevents the production of an enzyme known as mycolic acids by bacteria essential for cell wall formation (protective coating). Thereby, bacteria get killed without a cell wall and burst due to disruption in their metabolism. Thus, Streptomycin acts against a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes TB (tuberculosis), and prevents further infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Streptomycin
- Skin rash
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Vertigo
- Fever
- Dizziness
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Streptomycin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking the Streptomycin. Streptomycin may cause mental health problems, fits or optic neuritis (swelling of the optic nerve that may cause vision loss) in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you experience these symptoms after taking Streptomycin. If you have fits, diabetes, HIV infection, malnutrition, kidney or liver problems or have suffered from psychosis (mental disturbances), inform your doctor before taking Streptomycin. You must regularly undergo blood, urine and hearing tests while taking Streptomycin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Streptomycin may have interaction with pain killers (aspirin), anti-biotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin), steroids (dexamethasone) and anticonvulsants (valproic acid, carbamazepine, phenytoin), anti-asthma drugs (salbutamol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption with Streptomycin as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Streptomycin is known to interact with kidney or liver problems, ototoxicity (hearing problem), diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol should not be taken along with Streptomycin, it might lead to excessive sleepiness, coughing and mucus formation.
Pregnancy
cautionStreptomycin should not be used when pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Streptomycin.
Breast Feeding
cautionStreptomycin is excreted in breast milk. Inform the doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother. Streptomycin is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionDrive with caution if you have taken Streptomycin as it might cause dizziness and make driving difficult.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Streptomycin if you have had a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Streptomycin if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionStreptomycin should only be given to children if required. The dose should be monitored closely as an overdose to children may lead to unpleasant side effects.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Pineapple juice might help soothe the symptoms of cough and cold. It also has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties.
- Vitamin C-rich foods such as kiwi, broccoli, and bell pepper help improve the immune system.
- Avoid processed and fried foods.
- Warm ginger tea or warm soup can help relieve a cough.
- Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine, such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine and beer.
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- If you have had a bad cough for the last three weeks or longer, chest pain, or coughing up blood or sputum from deep inside the lungs, consult a pulmonologist or lung specialist.
- Monitoring of liver function test (LFT) is advisable while using Streptomycin.
- Prolonged use of Streptomycin may cause nerve damage or hearing loss, especially if you have kidney disease.
- Before using Streptomycin, inform your doctor if you have dizziness, hearing problems, vision problem, balance problem, muscle weakness, trouble in concentration, numbness, tingling or watery/bloody stool (diarrhoea).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Tuberculosis (TB): It is an infectious bacterial disease that affects the lungs, but it could also spread to other body parts such as kidneys, brain, spine and bone marrow. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease that can spread to others through small droplets released into the air by a person suffering from tuberculosis. Symptoms include a cough that lasts for a few weeks, pain while coughing or normal breathing, unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, and loss of appetite and weight. People who smoke or consume alcohol and people diagnosed with HIV and immune system problems are more likely at risk of developing active TB.
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply and infect our body. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills and fatigue. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine can make you more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Streptomycin is used to treat bacterial infections.
Streptomycin belongs to the group of medicines called 'anti-tuberculosis', containing Streptomycin, primarily used to treat and prevent tuberculosis (TB). It works by preventing the production of an enzyme known as mycolic acids by bacteria essential for cell wall formation (protective coating). Thus, Streptomycin acts against a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes TB (tuberculosis) and prevents the further spread of infection.
Streptomycin should be taken with caution in elderly patients. Generally, the doctor will adjust the dose depending on your medical condition.
In some cases, Streptomycin may cause allergic reactions. If you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of the face and mouth or difficulty breathing, immediately stop taking Streptomycin and contact your doctor.
Before starting treatment with Streptomycin, audiometry and kidney function tests must be done. Also, the current situation of ear and kidney function should be done before starting Streptomycin. Therefore, patients with known kidney disease should be given the Streptomycin only if the benefits overweight the harms. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.
Streptomycin may cause severe nerve problems, and the risk is even higher if you have kidney problems. Also, in older people and infants, the risk is higher. Please closely monitor your hearing and kidney function while using Streptomycin.
The dose of Streptomycin is determined by a healthcare professional, taking into account several factors, including the type and severity of the infection, the patient's age, weight, and kidney function, as well as their medical history and current medications.
Streptomycin is usually given by injection into a muscle or vein. This medication should only be administered by a healthcare professional, who will determine the appropriate dosage and method of administration based on individual patient needs.
Regular symptomatic monitoring is essential to monitor the effects of Streptomycin. Audiology tests (audiometry) should also be conducted to detect potential hearing loss. Blood tests, including serum creatinine, should be done to assess kidney function. Furthermore, electrolyte levels (potassium, calcium, and magnesium) should be monitored to detect any imbalances. These investigations help healthcare professionals to identify and address potential side effects and toxicity associated with treatment.
No Streptomycin is not an addictive or habit-forming medication.
Streptomycin is typically administered through injection, either intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle), and is usually given by a healthcare professional.
Streptomycin is a parenteral therapy that should only be administered by a healthcare professional. They will determine the appropriate treatment dosage and duration based on your medical condition. Using a higher dose than recommended can lead to serious side effects such as ototoxicity (permanent hearing loss), nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), and neurotoxicity (nerve damage). Follow their instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective treatment.
If you do not experience any improvement in your condition after using Streptomycin, you should consult your healthcare practitioner. They can analyse your condition and may modify your dose or treatment method, which is more effective.
The common side effects of the Streptomycin are skin rash, vomiting, nausea, vertigo, fever, and dizziness. However, these symptoms vanish as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms become worse, please consult a doctor for relief.
Resting after taking Streptomycin is better because it may cause dizziness, a common side effect. So, drive only if you are alert and omit driving and operating machinery if you feel dizzy.
Streptomycin is generally considered safe when you strictly follow the doctor's instructions. However, like all medications, it can have side effects and potential interactions with other drugs. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions and inform them of any pre-existing and existing medical conditions or medication history to avoid negative complications.
