Have you or someone you know been prescribed a vaccine called Streptomycin by your doctor? Did you feel a little scared or curious when you heard that name? It's normal to feel that way. Because this is a somewhat harsh, powerful medicine that is only given for certain bacterial infections. So today, let's talk about this medicine, its action, things to be careful about, and side effects in a very simple and friendly way.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Streptomycin is an antibiotic . That is, a medicine that kills bacterial infections. It belongs to the group of antibiotics called ``aminoglycosides.''
It is important to remember that this medicine only works for bacterial infections. It will not cure viral infections like the common cold, flu, and cough. Therefore, it should only be used if prescribed by a doctor and exactly as directed.
This medicine can sometimes be used for other conditions. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Any hearing impairment or problem | Because this medicine can sometimes affect hearing. |
| Kidney disease or any problem with kidney function | Since streptomycin is excreted from the body through the kidneys, it can affect the kidneys. |
| Allergic reaction to streptomycin, other aminoglycoside medications, sulfites, or other medications, foods, or dyes | To prevent the occurrence of serious allergies. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This medicine may affect the baby in the womb. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | The medicine can be transmitted to the baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is given as an injection into a muscle . You will usually receive this from a health care professional in a hospital or clinic.
In the rare case that you need to get this vaccine at home, you will be given proper training on how to do it and how to prepare the medicine. Take the medicine exactly as instructed, at the right time, and in the right dose. Do not take more medicine than your doctor tells you to.
What do you do with used needles?
This is very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They are very dangerous to the environment and to others. They should be put in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately . Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Some medications can have dangerous effects when combined with streptomycin. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and vitamins.
In particular, do not take streptomycin with the following medications:
cephaloridine, cidofovir, colistin, cyclosporine, polymyxin, viomycin and other aminoglycoside antibiotics.
In addition, this medication can interact with anesthesia drugs, birth control pills, some diuretics, and muscle relaxers.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve, or even worsen, tell your doctor.
- While you are taking this medicine, your doctor will monitor your health regularly. You will need to have regular blood and urine tests, especially to check your hearing and kidney function .
- This medication may slightly decrease the levels of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 in the body. Therefore, talk to your doctor about eating foods containing these vitamins and taking additional vitamins if necessary.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, streptomycin can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, rapid breathing. |
| Hearing loss | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus). |
| Loss of balance | Dizziness, fainting when walking. |
| Change in urine | Decreased urine output, change in color (may be a sign of kidney problems). |
| Numbness, pain in the limbs | Tingling, pain, or burning sensation in the hands or feet. |
| Unusual fatigue | Feeling extremely tired for no reason. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache, nausea, vomiting | These are common occurrences, but please let us know if they persist. |
| Pain and swelling at the injection site | This usually goes away in a few days. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, seek medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Streptomycin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat specific bacterial infections. It does not work against viral infections.
- Before taking the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially kidney and hearing problems), other medications you are taking, and allergies.
- While taking this medicine, your doctor will monitor your hearing and kidney function.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as hearing loss, dizziness, or decreased urine output, notify your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
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