Products
Streptomycin is found exclusively in veterinary drugs in many countries; no human drugs are now registered. The injectables Servistrep and streptothenate are off the market. Specialty retailers can order the substance from Hänseler AG, for example.
Structure and properties
Streptomycin (C21H39N7O12, Mr = 581.6 g/mol) is obtained from certain strains of or produced by other processes. It is usually present in drugs as streptomycin sulfate, a white, hygroscopic powder that is very soluble in water.
Effects
Streptomycin (ATC J01GA01) is bactericidal. Effects are due to interference with protein synthesis by bacteria through binding to ribosomes.
Indications
Streptomycin is used against bacterial infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, endocarditis, plague, brucellosis, and tularemia (rabbit plague). In many countries, the antibiotic has been sprayed in a controlled manner against the tree disease fire blight under a special permit since 2008. Fire blight is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium that discolors the blossoms, leaves and shoots of pome fruit trees (e.g. apple and pear trees) dark brown to black. The use of streptomycin as a pesticide is restricted or banned in many countries because of the potential consequences.
Dosage
According to the drug label. Streptomycin is not available orally and therefore must be administered parenterally (intramuscularly). It is absorbed only about 2% when administered orally.
Contraindications
Streptomycin is contraindicated in hypersensitivity to streptomycin or other aminoglycosides, advanced renal failure, premature infants, neonates, and during pregnancy. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse Effects
Possible adverse effects include ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, fever, facial paresthesias, nephrotoxicity, skin reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, and blood count abnormalities. When used against fire blight, side effects are possible in principle if the substance is not handled properly. Appropriate precautions must be observed. The risk is considered low because streptomycin is hardly absorbed orally and dermally. The possible development of resistance, ecological damage and contamination of foodstuffs are regarded as problematic. However, the application is closely controlled in many countries. In July 2011, massive contamination of honey was reported in many countries. Bees had collected contaminated nectar and pollen. As a result, over 7.5 tons of honey had to be destroyed in the canton of Thurgau.