Streptomycin: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side effects

Chemical formula:

• C21H39N7O12

Structure of Streptomycin

Mechanism of action:

• Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, causing misreading of the genetic code and inhibition of protein synthesis.

Uses:

• Streptomycin is used in combination with other antitubercular drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), particularly for drug-resistant strains or in cases of severe disease.

• It is also used to treat other bacterial infections, such as plague and tularemia.

Side effects:

• Side effects can include ototoxicity (hearing loss and vertigo), nephrotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, and neuromuscular blockade.