Streptomycin

Streptomycin is an antibiotic used to treat moderate to severe tuberculosis, pneumonia, E. coli, influenza, plague, and other infections caused by specific bacteria.

Streptomycin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Streptomycin may cause nerve damage or hearing loss, particularly if you have kidney disease or take specific other medicines. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience severe dizziness, hearing issues, vision problems, balance difficulties, trouble concentrating, muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling.

Diarrhea may indicate a new infection. Contact your doctor if you experience diarrhea that is watery or contains blood.

You should not be treated with streptomycin if you are allergic to streptomycin or similar antibiotics, such as:

• amikacin;
• gentamicin;
• kanamycin;
• neomycin;
• paromomycin; or
• tobramycin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• hearing problems;
• kidney disease; or
• HIV or AIDS.

Streptomycin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using streptomycin.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Streptomycin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• headache, nausea, vomiting;
• severe dizziness, spinning sensation, balance problems;
• hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in your ears, a ringing or roaring sound in your ears (during or after treatment with streptomycin);
• vision problems, eye pain;
• memory or concentration problems, changes in personality or behavior;
• muscle weakness, weak or shallow breathing;
• tremors, muscle twitching, seizure;
• pain, numbness, tingling;
• pale or yellowed skin, easy bruising; or
• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose).

If a young infant is receiving streptomycin, inform the doctor immediately if the child has severe drowsiness, breathing problems, or severe muscle weakness.

Your streptomycin doses may be delayed or stopped permanently if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of streptomycin may include:

• nausea, vomiting, and dizziness;
• diarrhea;
• numbness, tingling, or swelling in your face;
• fever;
• rash; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Streptomycin is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

You may be given other medications to help treat your infection. If you use streptomycin long term, you may be given medicine to make your urine less acidic. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

How often you receive streptomycin and for how long will depend on the infection being treated.

Some infections may need to be treated with streptomycin for several weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Streptomycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

You will need frequent medical tests to check your hearing and kidney function.

Call your doctor for guidance if you miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Streptomycin can damage your nerves and kidneys, particularly if you are also taking certain medications for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel issues, or pain or arthritis (like Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Inform your doctor about all your other medications, especially if you are taking a diuretic or "water pill."

Other drugs may influence how streptomycin works, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Make sure to tell your doctor about all your current medications and any new medicine you begin or stop using.