Biolab Streptomycin Sulfate Special Precautions

The toxicity of streptomycin is negligible for most short term therapy, although allergic reactions tend to occur much more frequently than with dihydrostreptomycin. When administration over long, periods of time is necessary, streptomycin is less likely than dihydrostreptomycin to cause disturbances of auditory function. However, such prolonged therapy necessitates special precautions since in some patients streptomycin may cause disturbances of vestibular function. Particular caution should be observed in patients receiving unusually large dosage and in those with impaired renal function which may result in unduly high blood levels. Tinnitus and hearing loss are not of frequent occurrence, although the possibility of development should be mentioned to the patient. An audiometric test should be made before treatment, again at the end of four months and at two months intervals thereafter during therapy, and for six months following termination of treatment.
In the treatment of gram-negative infections with bacteremia, the administration of streptomycin may result in exacerbation of the illness with possible shock. This reaction although not too common, should be borne in mind. It is believed to be due to the sudden release of endotoxin from organisms killed by streptomycin.
This product should be used with caution during pregnancy due to potential hazard of ototoxicity to the fetus. Cases of vestibular and auditory damage to infants have been reported following treatment of the pregnant woman with streptomycin and/or dihydrostreptomycin.