Streptomycin

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Chemical Structure / Formula of Streptomycin

• Formula: C21H39N7O12

• Contains an aminocyclitol ring linked to amino sugars.

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.

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