Streptomycin (Streptomycin)
Overview of Streptomycin
Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It has a hexose ring, streptidine to which various amino sugars are attached by glycosidic linkages. Streptomycin is the first of the aminoglycoside antibiotic and was isolated from a strain of Streptomyces griseus by Waksman and his associates in 1944. Aminoglycoside frequently exibit synergism with a beta lactam antibiotc or vancomycin. In combination they eradicate organism more rapidly than a single agent. Aminoglycosides are polycations and their polarity accounts for their pharmakokinetic peopertie. Streptomycin is effective against a large variety of aerobic gram negative bacilli an some gram positive bacteria including mycobacteria. The use of Streptomycin is now limited because of the emergence of resistance. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the drug at regular intervals of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Streptomycin is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed, discontinuation of the drug, may result in ineffective treatment.
Indication of Streptomycin
Streptomycin is primarily indicated in conditions like Bacterial infections, Oliguria due to renal failure, Plague, Tuberculosis, Tularemia.
Contraindication of Streptomycin
Streptomycin is contraindicated in conditions like Myasthenia gravis,Renal diseases,Ear infection.
Side Effects of Streptomycin
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Streptomycin, which give rise to further complications include Deafness.,Streptomycin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis, Aplastic Anemia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Streptomycin therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Streptomycin include Renal failure, Hemolytic anemia.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Streptomycin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Vertigo, Ataxia, Tinnitus, Urinary retensionX, Pain, Giddiness, Nystagmus, Pleocytosis, Neck pain.
Precautions of Streptomycin
Streptomycin should be used with caution in patients with history of kidney diseases, vertigo, hearing loss, myasthenia gravis, parkinsonisms. It should be used with caution in patients who are sensitive to aminoglycosides. Perform monthly blood counts test for atleast 4 months. Keep patients well hydrated to prevent chemical irritation or nephrotoxic reactions. Take appropriate measures in case of secondary infections.