Health Library

Streptomycin (By 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):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024