Streptomycin

Dosage Forms Available

• Streptomycin is available in the form of a powder for injection and solution for injection, to be administered intramuscularly or intravenously.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Streptomycin is prescribed for adults and children above the age of 12 years.

Contraindications

• Streptomycin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides.

• It should not be administered to patients with myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disorders.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Streptomycin can interact with loop diuretics (such as furosemide and ethacrynic acid), neuromuscular blockers (like pancuronium and rocuronium), other aminoglycosides (such as neomycin and kanamycin) and antibiotics (like vancomycin).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdose of Streptomycin may cause symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, muscle weakness, hearing loss, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, and oliguric renal failure. If you experience these symptoms, immediately consult your doctor.

• If you miss a dose of Streptomycin, administer it as soon as you remember. However, do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects of Streptomycin are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor. To manage side effects:

• Drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of kidney damage.

• If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, avoid sudden movements and get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Streptomycin may affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery as it can cause dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo). It is advised to avoid these activities if such symptoms occur.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The use of Streptomycin is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation unless advised by your doctor due to the risk of fetal harm and infant ototoxicity.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with pre-existing kidney disease, hearing impairment, or balance disorders should be cautious while using Streptomycin.

• It should be used judiciously in elderly, dehydrated, or severely ill patients and those with cystic fibrosis or Hansen's disease (leprosy).

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintain a balanced diet to keep your immune system strong and help your body fight bacterial infections.

• Avoid exposure to individuals with infectious diseases to reduce your risk of getting infections.