Injection sites should be alternated. Patients should be warned that tinnitus, roaring noises, or sense of fullness in ears indicates the drug should be discontinued. Vestibular dysfunction is usually reversible within 2-3 months if the drug is promptly discontinued. Other less common forms of neurotoxicity include peripheral neuritis, arachnoiditis, encephalopathy, and respiratory paralysis. Streptomycin contains a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylaxis, rash, urticaria, and eosinophilia.
Serious reactions are rare and are more common in asthmatic patients.
Ototoxicity is potentiated by co-administration of ethacrynic acid, furosemide, mannitol, and possibly other diuretics. Category D. This and other aminoglycosides have been implicated in irreversible congenital deafness. Streptomycin is the only major antituberculosis drug with established toxicity to the fetus. The Johns Hopkins University on behalf of its Division of Infectious Diseases and AIDS Service. All rights reserved.