Merstrep 1gm Injection (Streptomycin): Comprehensive Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Decreased urine output or swelling in legs
- Severe muscle weakness or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Severe rash or itching
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Persistent fever or infection
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is streptomac 1gm injection used for?
This medicine is a streptomycin 1 gram injection used to treat serious bacterial infections such as drug-resistant tuberculosis, plague, tularemia, and brucellosis. It works by killing bacteria and is given by a healthcare professional. It requires monitoring of kidney function and hearing.
- Generic Name: Streptomycin (1gm)
- Manufacturer: Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 streptomac 1gm injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा स्ट्रेप्टोमाइसिन 1 ग्राम इंजेक्शन है, जिसका उपयोग गंभीर बैक्टीरियल संक्रमणों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। इसका मुख्य उपयोग तपेदिक (टीबी) के इलाज में होता है, खासकर जब अन्य दवाएं काम नहीं करतीं। इसके अलावा, यह प्लेग, टुलरेमिया, ब्रुसेलोसिस और एंटरोकोकल एंडोकार्डिटिस जैसी बीमारियों में भी दी जाती है। यह दवा बैक्टीरिया को मारकर काम करती है और इसे डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा इंजेक्शन के रूप में दिया जाता है। यह दवा किडनी और सुनने की क्षमता को नुकसान पहुंचा सकती है, इसलिए इसका इस्तेमाल डॉक्टर की देखरेख में ही किया जाना चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में इंजेक्शन की जगह पर दर्द, लालिमा या सूजन, जी मिचलाना, उल्टी और त्वचा पर दाने शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में किडनी को नुकसान, सुनने की क्षमता में कमी, कान में घंटी बजना, चक्कर आना और मांसपेशियों में कमजोरी शामिल हैं। अगर आपको कान में आवाज सुनाई दे, चक्कर आए, पेशाब कम आए या सांस लेने में दिक्कत हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा ही दी जानी चाहिए। खुद से इंजेक्शन न लगाएं। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी स्वास्थ्य समस्याओं के बारे में बताएं, खासकर किडनी की बीमारी, सुनने की समस्या, मायस्थेनिया ग्रेविस या पार्किंसन रोग। इलाज के दौरान किडनी की जांच और सुनने की जांच नियमित रूप से करवाएं। पर्याप्त पानी पिएं। चक्कर आने पर गाड़ी न चलाएं। किसी भी एलर्जी के लक्षण जैसे दाने, खुजली, सूजन या सांस लेने में तकलीफ हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।
💊 streptomac 1gm injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Tuberculosis (drug-resistant or when first-line drugs are not suitable)","description":"Used as part of a multi-drug regimen for tuberculosis, especially multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), under strict programmatic conditions.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Plague","description":"Effective against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague, and is used in combination with other antibiotics.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Tularemia","description":"Used to treat tularemia caused by Francisella tularensis, especially in severe cases.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Brucellosis","description":"Used in combination with doxycycline or other antibiotics for brucellosis.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Enterococcal endocarditis","description":"Combined with penicillin or ampicillin for enterococcal endocarditis when other regimens are not appropriate.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections","description":"Sometimes used in combination regimens for MAC infections in immunocompromised patients, though other aminoglycosides are often preferred.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Granuloma inguinale","description":"Rarely used for granuloma inguinale caused by Klebsiella granulomatis when other treatments are not effective.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Tuberculosis (drug-resistant or when first-line drugs are not suitable)
Also treats: Plague, Tularemia, Brucellosis, Enterococcal endocarditis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Streptomycin (1gm) |
| Brand Name | streptomac 1gm injection |
| Manufacturer | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Aminoglycosides |
| Route of Administration | Parenteral (intramuscular injection). It is not for intravenous use unless specifically prepared and administered by a healthcare professional |
| Storage | Store the lyophilized powder at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C). Protect from light. After reconstitution, the solution should be stored in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) and used within 24 hours. Do not freeze. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of the lyophilized powder is typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture. Check the expiry date on the vial. Once reconstituted, use within 24 hours if refrigerated. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization includes streptomycin as a second-line injectable agent in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) under specific programmatic conditions. It is not recommended for routine use in drug-susceptible TB unless other options are unavailable. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines for tuberculosis management include streptomycin as a second-line drug for MDR-TB, to be used under strict supervision and monitoring. It is not a first-line agent for drug-susceptible TB in India. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria. This binding interferes with the initiation of protein synthesis and causes misreading of messenger RNA, leading to the production of faulty proteins and disruption of the bacterial cell membrane. The result is rapid bacterial killing (bactericidal action). It is effective against many gram-negative aerobic bacteria and some gram-positive bacteria, but not against anaerobes or fungi.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take streptomac 1gm injection
Strength: Lyophilized powder for injection: 1 gram per vial. After reconstitution, the concentration depends on the volume of diluent used.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, severity of infection, patient weight, kidney function, and other factors. For tuberculosis, it is typically given as part of a combination regimen, often at a dose of 15 mg/kg per day (maximum 1 gram) intramuscularly, five to seven days per week, but exact dosing varies. For other infections, doses may range from 1 to 2 grams per day in divided doses. Renal function must be assessed before and during therapy, and dose adjustments are required in kidney impairment. Never self-administer; this medicine must be given by a healthcare professional. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. This medicine is used in children only under specialist supervision and with careful monitoring. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients are at increased risk of kidney damage and hearing loss due to age-related decline in kidney function. Doses should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance, and monitoring should be more frequent. Use with caution. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment. The dose and dosing interval should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance. In severe renal impairment, the dosing interval may be extended to 24 to 72 hours or longer. Monitoring of serum levels is recommended when available. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dosage adjustment is required for hepatic impairment, as this medicine is not metabolized by the liver. However, caution is advised in patients with combined hepatic and renal impairment. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is typically 2 grams, but this must be determined by a qualified clinician based on the indication and patient factors. Doses above 1 gram per day are rarely used and require close monitoring. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of streptomac 1gm injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Gentamicin | Major | |
| Furosemide | Major | |
| Succinylcholine | Major | |
| Vancomycin | Major | |
| Amphotericin B | Major | |
| Penicillin G | Moderate | |
| Indomethacin | Moderate | |
| Cyclosporine | Moderate | |
| Cephalosporins | Moderate | |
| Alcohol | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, amikacin)
- Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide, ethacrynic acid)
- Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., succinylcholine, pancuronium)
- Vancomycin
- Amphotericin B
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Penicillins (e.g., penicillin G, ampicillin)
- Cephalosporins
- Indomethacin
- Cyclosporine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the risk of kidney damage and worsen side effects such as dizziness. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while receiving this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity or allergy to streptomycin or other aminoglycosides","Pre-existing hearing loss or vestibular dysfunction","Severe kidney impairment","Myasthenia gravis","Pregnancy (unless life-threatening infection and no safer alternative)","Breastfeeding (unless benefits outweigh risks)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Nephrotoxicity: Monitor kidney function closely. Adjust dose in renal impairment.","Ototoxicity: Risk of irreversible hearing loss and balance problems. Monitor hearing.","Neuromuscular blockade: May cause muscle weakness and respiratory depression, especially in patients with neuromuscular disorders or when used with anesthetics.","Hypersensitivity reactions: Severe allergic reactions can occur. Discontinue immediately if suspected.","Superinfection: Prolonged use may lead to overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.","Use in elderly: Increased risk of toxicity due to reduced kidney function.","Use in children: Safety and efficacy not well established; use with caution.","Injection site reactions: Pain, redness, and swelling may occur."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects in the nursing infant, including hearing loss and kidney damage, it is generally recommended to avoid breastfeeding while receiving this medicine. If treatment is essential, breastfeeding should be discontinued during therapy.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose can cause severe kidney damage, hearing loss, and neuromuscular blockade. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and may include hemodialysis to remove the drug from the blood. Immediate medical attention is required. Monitor kidney function, hearing, and respiratory status closely.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not try to self-administer a double dose. Your doctor will advise on the next steps based on your dosing schedule and kidney function.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must only be given by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer. Inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially kidney problems, hearing loss, myasthenia gravis, or Parkinson's disease. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function and hearing before and during treatment. Stay well hydrated. Avoid other kidney-damaging or ear-damaging medicines unless specifically prescribed. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy or have vision changes. Report any signs of allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing immediately.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of kidney damage and hearing loss due to reduced kidney function. Doses should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance, and monitoring should be more frequent. Use with caution and consider alternative antibiotics if possible.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine can cause fetal harm, including congenital deafness and kidney damage. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should inform their doctor. Effective contraception should be used during treatment. If pregnancy occurs, consult your doctor immediately.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine may be used after surgery if there is a serious bacterial infection. It can increase the risk of neuromuscular blockade when used with anesthetics. Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist if you are receiving this medicine.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are receiving this medicine. It may interact with certain antibiotics used in dentistry. No specific precautions are required for dental procedures, but maintain good oral hygiene.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise if you feel dizzy, weak, or have muscle weakness. Gentle walking is usually fine, but consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness, fatigue, or muscle weakness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. You may need to take time off work during treatment, especially if you are hospitalized.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. Stopping early can lead to treatment failure and antibiotic resistance. If you experience serious side effects such as hearing loss, kidney problems, or severe allergic reactions, your doctor may decide to stop the medicine or change the treatment.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use or repeated courses can lead to cumulative kidney damage and irreversible hearing loss. Regular monitoring of kidney function and hearing is essential. If toxicity is detected, the medicine may need to be stopped or the dose adjusted. Long-term use also carries a risk of neuromuscular blockade and superinfection.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
May be used as alternatives for certain infections, but have similar toxicity profiles.
Evidence: Well-establishedDepending on the infection and susceptibility, other classes may be used.
Evidence: Well-establishedFor some infections, supportive care alone may be sufficient, but not for serious bacterial infections.
Evidence: Varies💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no specific vaccine interactions reported with this medicine. However, live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with antibiotics. Consult your doctor before receiving any vaccine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store the lyophilized powder at room temperature (20-25°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze the powder or reconstituted solution
✅ DO
Protect from light by keeping in the original carton
❌ DON'T
Do not expose to direct sunlight
✅ DO
After reconstitution, store in refrigerator (2-8°C) and use within 24 hours
❌ DON'T
Do not use if the solution is cloudy or contains particles
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label intact. Bring a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining the medical need. Keep the lyophilized powder at room temperature and protect it from light. If reconstituted, store in a cool place and use within 24 hours. Check customs regulations for carrying injectable medicines. Always carry enough for your entire trip and a little extra in case of delays.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts killing bacteria within hours, but clinical improvement may take several days to weeks depending on the infection.
A: No, this medicine must be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting.
A: Watch for hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, decreased urine output, and muscle weakness. Report these immediately.
A: It can harm the fetus, especially hearing and kidneys. It is used only if the benefits outweigh the risks and no safer alternative exists.
A: It is best to avoid alcohol as it may increase dizziness and kidney stress.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for streptomac 1gm injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
merstrep 1gm injectionWockhardt Ltd ₹4.01 59.6% CHEAPER
-
ambistryn-s 1gm injectionAbbott ₹11.39 14.7% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be taken orally.
Fact: This medicine is not absorbed from the stomach and must be given by injection. - Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone.
Fact: It can cause serious kidney and hearing damage, so it is used only for specific serious infections under medical supervision. - Myth: You can stop the injection once you feel better.
Fact: You must complete the full course as prescribed to prevent relapse and resistance.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Streptomycin sulfate injection
Brand Alternatives
- Merstrep 1gm injection