Streptomycin

Streptomycin is mainly used as a first-line agent for treatment of tuberculosis.

Adverse Reactions: Disturbance of vestibular function (vertigo, loss of balance) is common. The frequency and severity of this disturbance are proportionate to the age of the patient, the blood levels of the drug, and the duration of administration. Vestibular dysfunction may follow a few weeks of unusually high blood levels or months of relatively low blood levels. Vestibular toxicity tends to be irreversible. Streptomycin given during pregnancy can cause deafness in the newborn.