Streptomycin (Injection)

Streptomycin (strep-toe-MYE-sin)

Treats tuberculosis (TB) and other serious infections. Belongs to a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to streptomycin or other aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, or tobramycin.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• Keep using this medicine for as long as your doctor ordered, even if you feel better. If you stop the medicine too soon, your infection may not completely go away.
• An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (thigh or buttocks).
• This medicine should be given by a nurse or other caregiver trained to give IM medicine. Sometimes you, a family member, or a friend can be taught to give your medicine.
• Before you have your shot, look at the medicine. The liquid should be clear.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.
• If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• You should not use the medicine if it changes color or has lumps, specks, or solid pieces in it.
• If you have your shots at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• If you have your shots at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles and other supplies. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
• Do not share your needles, syringes, or medicine with anyone else.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any other antibiotic medicines such as amikacin (Amikin®), gentamicin, netilmicin (Netromycin®), tobramycin, or vancomycin or any "water pills" such as Lasix® or Edecrin®. These medicines taken with streptomycin may increase the risk of hearing problems.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause hearing loss. Call your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your hearing or if you have headaches, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
• Your doctor may want to test your hearing regularly while you are taking streptomycin. Tell your doctor if you already have hearing problems before you are given this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or myasthenia gravis.
• If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while being treated with this medicine. Streptomycin taken during a pregnancy may cause hearing problems in an unborn baby.
• If your infection does not improve or if it gets worse while taking this medicine, call your doctor.
• This medicine may contain a sulfite. Make sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to sulfites or have asthma.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Dizziness or trouble standing, vomiting
• Ringing or roaring noises
• Feeling pressure in your ears
• Trouble hearing or any changes in your hearing
• Trouble seeing or any changes in your eyesight
• Burning, tingling, or numbness in your face
• Rash or hives
• Swelling of the face, throat, or lips
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Urinating less than one cup in a day

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Pain where the IM shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.