top of page
Search

Streptomycin

BP-S-6-Medicinal Chemistry III
1 min read

Chemical Structure / Formula of Streptomycin

  • Formula: C21H39N7O12

  • Contains an aminocyclitol ring linked to amino sugars.


Chemical Structure of Streptomycin
Chemical Structure of Streptomycin

Mechanism of Action

  • Binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing proper mRNA translation.

  • Causes misreading of mRNA, leading to defective protein synthesis and bacterial death (bactericidal).

Uses

  • First-line drug for tuberculosis (TB) in combination therapy.

  • Used for plague (Yersinia pestis) and tularemia (Francisella tularensis).

  • Sometimes used for enterococcal endocarditis (with penicillin).

Side Effects

  • Ototoxicity (irreversible) – affects hearing and balance.

  • Nephrotoxicity (reversible) – kidney damage.

  • Neuromuscular blockade – rare but can cause respiratory paralysis.


Related Posts

See All

β-Lactam Antibiotics

Historical Background of β-Lactam Antibiotics Discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming  (Penicillin). First widely used antibiotic class....

bottom of page