Streptomycin
Generic Name: streptomycin
Brand Names:
Streptomycin
DESCRIPTION Streptomycin is a water-soluble aminoglycoside derived from Streptomyces griseus . It is marketed as the sulfate salt of streptomycin. The chemical name of streptomycin sulfate is D-Streptamine, O -2-deoxy-2-(methylamino)- α -L-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)- O -5-deoxy-3- C -formyl- α -L-lyxofuranosyl-(1→4)- N,N 1 -bis(aminoiminomethyl)-,sulfate (2:3) (salt). The molecular formula for Streptomycin Sulfate is (C 21 H 39 N 7 O 12 ) 2 • 3H 2 SO 4 and the molecular weight is 1457.41.
Overview
DESCRIPTION Streptomycin is a water-soluble aminoglycoside derived from Streptomyces griseus . It is marketed as the sulfate salt of streptomycin. The chemical name of streptomycin sulfate is D-Streptamine, O -2-deoxy-2-(methylamino)- α -L-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)- O -5-deoxy-3- C -formyl- α -L-lyxofuranosyl-(1→4)- N,N 1 -bis(aminoiminomethyl)-,sulfate (2:3) (salt). The molecular formula for Streptomycin Sulfate is (C 21 H 39 N 7 O 12 ) 2 • 3H 2 SO 4 and the molecular weight is 1457.41.
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Streptomycin is indicated for the treatment of individuals with moderate to severe infections caused by susceptibile strains of microorganisms in the specific conditions listed below: 1. Mycobacterium tuberculosis: The Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis, the American Thoracic Society, and the Center for Disease Control recommend that either streptomycin or ethambutol be added as a fourth drug in a regimen containing isoniazid (INH), rifampin and pyrazinamide for initial treatment of tuberculosis unless the likelihood of INH or rifampin resistance is very low. The need for a fourth drug should be reassessed when the results of susceptibility testing are known.
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Intramuscular Route Only Adults: The preferred site is the upper outer quadrant of the buttock (i.e., gluteus maximus) or the mid-lateral thigh. Children: It is recommended that intramuscular injections be given preferably in the mid-lateral muscles of the thigh. In infants and small children the periphery of the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal region should be used only when necessary, such as in burn patients, in order to minimize the possibility of damage to the sciatic nerve. The deltoid area should be used only if well developed, such as in certain adults and older children, and then only with caution to avoid radial nerve injury. Intramuscular injections should not be made into the lower and mid-third of the upper arm.
Side Effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following reactions are common: vestibular ototoxicity (nausea, vomiting, and vertigo); paresthesia of face; rash; fever; urticaria; angioneurotic edema; and eosinophilia. The following reactions are less frequent: cochlear ototoxicity (deafness); exfoliative dermatitis; anaphylaxis; azotemia; leucopenia; thrombocytopenia; pancytopenia; hemolytic anemia; muscular weakness; and amblyopia. Vestibular dysfunction resulting from the parenteral administration of streptomycin is cumulatively related to the total daily dose. When 1.8 to 2 g/day are given, symptoms are likely to develop in the large percentage of patients - especially in the elderly or patients with impaired renal function - within four weeks.
Interactions
Drug Interactions The ototoxic effects of the aminoglycosides, including streptomycin, are potentiated by the coadministration of ethacrynic acid, furosemide, mannitol and possibly other diuretics.
Warnings
WARNING THE RISK OF SEVERE NEUROTOXIC REACTIONS IS SHARPLY INCREASED IN PATIENTS WITH IMPAIRED RENAL FUNCTION OR PRE-RENAL AZOTEMIA. THESE INCLUDE DISTURBANCES OF VESTIBULAR AND COCHLEAR FUNCTION, OPTIC NERVE DYSFUNCTION, PERIPHERAL NEURITIS, ARACHNOIDITIS, AND ENCEPHALOPATHY MAY ALSO OCCUR. THE INCIDENCE OF CLINICALLY DETECTABLE, IRREVERSIBLE VESTIBULAR DAMAGE IS PARTICULARLY HIGH IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH STREPTOMYCIN. WARNINGS Ototoxicity Both vestibular and auditory dysfunction can follow the administration of streptomycin. The degree of impairment is directly proportional to the dose and duration of streptomycin administration, to the age of the patient, to the level of renal function and to the amount of underlying existing auditory dysfunction. The ototoxic effects of the aminoglycosides, including streptomycin, are potentiated by the co-administration of ethacrynic acid, mannitol, furosemide and possibly other diuretics. The vestibulotoxic potential of streptomycin exceeds that of its capacity for cochlear toxicity. Vestibular damage is heralded by headache, nausea, vomiting and disequilibrium. Early cochlear injury is demonstrated by the loss of high frequency hearing. CONTRAINDICATIONS A history of clinically significant hypersensitivity to streptomycin is a contraindication to its use. Clinically significant hypersensitivity to other aminoglycosides may contraindicate the use of streptomycin because of the known cross-sensitivity of patients to drugs in this class.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy See WARNINGS section.
Storage
HOW SUPPLIED Streptomycin for Injection, USP is available in vials (NDC 39822-0706-1) containing 1 gram. Boxes of ten vials use NDC 39822-0706-2. Store dry powder at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. PROTECT FROM LIGHT Manufactured for: XGen Pharmaceuticals DJB, Inc. Big Flats, NY 14814 Revised: October 2025 STRP-PI-MV-00 Made in India. Rx Only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Streptomycin used for?▼
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Streptomycin is indicated for the treatment of individuals with moderate to severe infections caused by susceptibile strains of microorganisms in the specific conditions listed below: 1. Mycobacterium tuberculosis: The Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis, the American Thoracic Society, and the Center for Disease Control recommend that either streptomycin or ethambutol be added as a fourth drug in a regimen containing isoniazid (INH), rifampin and pyrazinamide for initial treatment of tuberculosis unless the likelihood of INH or rifampin resistance is very low. The need for a fourth drug should be reassessed when the results of susceptibility testing are known.
What are the side effects of Streptomycin?▼
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following reactions are common: vestibular ototoxicity (nausea, vomiting, and vertigo); paresthesia of face; rash; fever; urticaria; angioneurotic edema; and eosinophilia. The following reactions are less frequent: cochlear ototoxicity (deafness); exfoliative dermatitis; anaphylaxis; azotemia; leucopenia; thrombocytopenia; pancytopenia; hemolytic anemia; muscular weakness; and amblyopia. Vestibular dysfunction resulting from the parenteral administration of streptomycin is cumulatively related to the total daily dose. When 1.8 to 2 g/day are given, symptoms are likely to develop in the large percentage of patients - especially in the elderly or patients with impaired renal function - within four weeks.
Can I take Streptomycin during pregnancy?▼
Pregnancy See WARNINGS section.
What are the important warnings for Streptomycin?▼
WARNING THE RISK OF SEVERE NEUROTOXIC REACTIONS IS SHARPLY INCREASED IN PATIENTS WITH IMPAIRED RENAL FUNCTION OR PRE-RENAL AZOTEMIA. THESE INCLUDE DISTURBANCES OF VESTIBULAR AND COCHLEAR FUNCTION, OPTIC NERVE DYSFUNCTION, PERIPHERAL NEURITIS, ARACHNOIDITIS, AND ENCEPHALOPATHY MAY ALSO OCCUR. THE INCIDENCE OF CLINICALLY DETECTABLE, IRREVERSIBLE VESTIBULAR DAMAGE IS PARTICULARLY HIGH IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH STREPTOMYCIN. WARNINGS Ototoxicity Both vestibular and auditory dysfunction can follow the administration of streptomycin. The degree of impairment is directly proportional to the dose and duration of streptomycin administration, to the age of the patient, to the level of renal function and to the amount of underlying existing auditory dysfunction. The ototoxic effects of the aminoglycosides, including streptomycin, are potentiated by the co-administration of ethacrynic acid, mannitol, furosemide and possibly other diuretics. The vestibulotoxic potential of streptomycin exceeds that of its capacity for cochlear toxicity. Vestibular damage is heralded by headache, nausea, vomiting and disequilibrium. Early cochlear injury is demonstrated by the loss of high frequency hearing. CONTRAINDICATIONS A history of clinically significant hypersensitivity to streptomycin is a contraindication to its use. Clinically significant hypersensitivity to other aminoglycosides may contraindicate the use of streptomycin because of the known cross-sensitivity of patients to drugs in this class.
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.