Streptomycin

Pronounced

"strep-toe-MYE-sin"

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

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.

The dosage is based on the kind of infection, your weight, medical condition, streptomycin blood levels, and response to treatment. 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 keep 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.

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