The Basics
What is Streptomycin?
Antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections including tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex, endocarditis, brucellosis, Burkholderia infection, plague, tularemia, and rat bite fever.
Brand names for Streptomycin
Streptomycin
How Streptomycin is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Aminoglycosides, Antitubercular Agents
Streptomycin During Pregnancy
Streptomycin pregnancy category
Category DNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Streptomycin while pregnant
Streptomycin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Because streptomycin readily crosses the placental barrier, caution in use of the drug is important to prevent ototoxicity in the fetus. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Streptomycin linked to hearing loss in newborns and should be avoided, unless specific benefit established. Short_term use of others in class acceptable with monitoring, if benefits outweigh the risks
Taking Streptomycin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Streptomycin?
Similar to other aminoglycoside antibiotics, streptomycin is poorly excreted into breastmilk. Newborn infants apparently absorb small amounts of aminoglycosides, but serum levels are far below those attained when treating newborn infections and systemic effects of streptomycin are unlikely. Older infants would be expected to absorb even less streptomycin Monitor the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea, candidiasis (e.g., thrush, diaper rash) or rarely, blood in the stool indicating possible antibiotic-associated colitis.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Similar to other aminoglycoside antibiotics, streptomycin is poorly excreted into breastmilk. Newborn infants apparently absorb small amounts of aminoglycosides, but serum levels are far below those attained when treating newborn infections and systemic effects of streptomycin are unlikely. Older infants would be expected to absorb even less streptomycin Monitor the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea, candidiasis (e.g., thrush, diaper rash) or rarely, blood in the stool indicating possible antibiotic-associated colitis.
Possible effects of Streptomycin on milk supply
One observational study found no inhibition of lactation by streptomycin.[1]
Possible alternatives to Streptomycin
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Rudneva NN. [Effect of penicillin and streptomycin on lactation in parturients]. Akush Ginekol (Mosk). 1967;43:48-52. PMID: 5629407
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
