Spectinomycin

Spectinomycin is an aminocyclitol antibiotic that is structurally related to aminoglycosides. Spectinomycin is used almost solely as an alternative treatment for gonorrhea in patients who are allergic to penicillin or whose gonococci are resistant to other drugs. It is rapidly absorbed after intramuscular injection. A single dose of 2 g (40 mg/kg) is given. There is pain at the injection site and occasionally fever and nausea.