Uses
This medication is used with other medications to treat active tuberculosis (TB) infection if you cannot take other drugs for TB or if you have a type of TB that cannot be treated with other drugs (drug-resistant TB). Streptomycin belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by killing the organisms that cause the infection.
This drug may also be used to treat other serious infections (such as Mycobacterium avium complex-MAC, tularemia, endocarditis, plague) along with other medications.
How To Use
This medication is given by injection, usually into a muscle as directed by your doctor. When you start treatment for TB, it is usually given once a day or as directed by your doctor. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid problem areas under the skin. If you have any questions about using this medication properly, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage is based on the kind of infection, your weight, medical condition, streptomycin blood levels, and side effects. How often you receive injections and the length of your treatment will depend on the type of infection you have and your response to treatment.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Medication to treat tuberculosis is usually used for 9 months or longer. After you receive streptomycin daily for 1 to 2 months, your doctor may direct you to receive this medication less often (such as 2 to 3 times a week). Your doctor may direct you to stop using this medication before stopping your other TB medications. It is very important to continue using streptomycin and your other medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking this medication (or other TB medicines/antibiotics) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may worsen side effects or make the infection (especially TB) more difficult to treat (resistant). If TB becomes resistant to this medication, it might also become resistant to other TB medications.
For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. Be sure to keep all appointments for receiving this drug.
Tell your doctor right away if your infection symptoms return (such as fever, chills, body aches) while you are using this medication or after you stop using it.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or loss of appetite may occur. Pain/irritation/redness may occur at the injection site. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- muscle weakness
- diarrhea that doesn't go away even after stopping this medication
- easy bleeding/bruising
- fast heartbeat
- new signs of infections (such as cough that doesn't go away, high fever)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
- unusual tiredness
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
See also Warning section.
Before using streptomycin injection, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as tobramycin, gentamicin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney problems
- hearing problems
- dehydration
- a certain muscle problem (myasthenia gravis)
- burns over a large area of skin
- cystic fibrosis
Streptomycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as BCG, typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using streptomycin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
Caution is advised when using this drug in older adults because they may have decreased kidney function. Older adults may be more sensitive to the kidney and hearing side effects.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using streptomycin. Streptomycin may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
See also Warning section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- amphotericin B
- high doses of aspirin/NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen
If your doctor has directed you to take low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue to take the aspirin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms may include: extreme drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, inability to move.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, hearing tests, streptomycin levels) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store unmixed medication at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
