What is Streptomycin Sulfate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Streptomycin Sulfate overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Streptomycin Sulfate

Uses:

  • Treats tuberculosis (TB) and other serious infections.Belongs to a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic, Antitubercular

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Streptomycin Sulfate used for?

What form(s) does Streptomycin Sulfate come in

  • Injectable

What are common Streptomycin Sulfate doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 1GM

Common Streptomycin Sulfate prescriptions

  • Streptomycin Sulfate
    1gm solution reconstituted

How to take Streptomycin Sulfate

  • 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.

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Streptomycin Sulfate

  • 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.

  • Do not share your needles, syringes, or medicine with anyone else.

Streptomycin Sulfate contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to streptomycin or other aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, or tobramycin.

Streptomycin Sulfate warnings

  • 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.

  • Swelling of the face, throat, or lips

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Urinating less than one cup in a day

Streptomycin Sulfate interactions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or myasthenia gravis.

  • This medicine may contain a sulfite. Make sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to sulfites or have asthma.

Streptomycin Sulfate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Burning, tingling, or numbness in your face

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Feeling pressure in your ears

  • Dizziness or trouble standing, vomiting

  • Ringing or roaring noises

  • Trouble seeing or any changes in your eyesight

  • Swelling of the face, throat, or lips

  • Trouble hearing or any changes in your hearing

  • Rash or hives

  • Urinating less than one cup in a day

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Pain where the IM shot was given

  • Nausea or upset stomach

  • Mild diarrhea