dihydrostreptomycin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

Dihydrostreptomycin primarily functions as an antibiotic with bactericidal effects. Its key actions encompass: 

1. Inhibition of Protein Synthesis: Dihydrostreptomycin interferes with bacterial protein synthesis by attaching to the 30S ribosomal subunit in susceptible organisms. This interference impacts both the initiation and elongation stages of bacterial protein synthesis. 
2. Bactericidal Activity: Dihydrostreptomycin’s interference with protein synthesis makes it bactericidal, demonstrating the capability to eliminate susceptible bacteria. The precise mechanisms leading to its bactericidal effects remain incompletely understood. 

Spectrum: 

Dihydrostreptomycin exhibits a broad spectrum of antibacterial action. It is effective against a variety of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. The spectrum of action includes certain strains of bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli, and other susceptible bacterial species.

Dihydrostreptomycin belongs to the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics and is commonly used in the treatment of bacterial infections where its specific spectrum of activity aligns with the targeted pathogens. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of dihydrostreptomycin can vary, and its use should be guided by bacterial susceptibility testing and the specific type of infection being treated. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

More common: 

Chest pain 

Chills 

Cough 

Dizziness or lightheadedness 

the sensation of one’s surroundings or oneself moving constantly 

Fever 

Large, hive-like swelling on the throat, face, eyelids, lips, tongue, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs 

Nausea 

White spots, sores, or ulcers on the lips or in the mouth 

Painful or difficult urination 

Sensation of spinning 

Shortness of breath 

Sore throat 

Swollen glands 

Unsteadiness 

Unusual bleeding or bruising 

Unusual tiredness or weakness 

Vomiting 

Black, tarry stools 

Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles,” or tingling feelings  

Less Common: 

Back, stomach, or leg pains 

Bleeding gums 

Bloody or cloudy urine 

Blurred vision 

Change in vision 

Dark urine 

Deafness 

Difficulty with breathing 

Difficulty with swallowing 

Dry mouth 

Fast heartbeat 

General body swelling 

Headache 

Hives 

Impaired vision 

Itching 

Loss of appetite 

Muscle weakness 

Nosebleeds 

Pain in the lower back or side 

Pale skin 

Pinpoint red spots on the skin 

Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the skin rash, eyes, lips, face, or tongue 

Thirst 

Tightness in the chest 

Wheezing 

Yellowing of the eyes or skin 

Rare: 

Drowsiness 

Weakness 

Change in the frequency of urination or amount of urine 

Increased thirst 

Swelling of the feet or lower legs 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

The use of Dihydrostreptomycin Sulfate may be contraindicated in cases of clinically significant hypersensitivity to other aminoglycosides due to the recognized cross-sensitivity among patients to drugs within this class. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Dihydrostreptomycin Sulfate, an aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from the soil actinomycete Streptomyces griseus, operates by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit in susceptible organisms. This binding disrupts both the initiation and elongation phases of protein synthesis, rendering it bactericidal. The precise mechanisms underlying its bactericidal effects are not entirely comprehended. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

The pharmacodynamics of Dihydrostreptomycin revolves around its interaction with bacterial cells and the consequential impact on microbial activity. Here are pivotal facets of Dihydrostreptomycin’s pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of Action: In sensitive bacterial organisms, dihydrostreptomycin binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit to provide its bactericidal effects. This interference disrupts both the initiation and elongation phases of bacterial protein synthesis, ultimately impeding the growth and multiplication of bacteria. 

Bacterial Spectrum: Dihydrostreptomycin displays a wide-ranging antibacterial activity, proving effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is notably employed in treating infections caused by susceptible bacterial strains. 

Bactericidal Activity: The disruption of protein synthesis endows Dihydrostreptomycin with bactericidal properties, signifying its capacity to eliminate susceptible bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth. 

Cross-Sensitivity: The use of Dihydrostreptomycin may be contraindicated in individuals manifesting clinically significant hypersensitivity to other aminoglycosides, given the acknowledged cross-sensitivity within this drug class. 

Clinical Considerations: Similar to all antibiotics, the pharmacodynamics of Dihydrostreptomycin necessitates meticulous consideration of bacterial susceptibility, appropriate dosage, and treatment duration. This approach ensures effective therapy while mitigating the risks of resistance and adverse effects. 

Comprehending the pharmacodynamics of Dihydrostreptomycin is imperative for its reasonable and targeted application in the treatment of bacterial infections.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

Dihydrostreptomycin is commonly delivered via the intramuscular route, and following administration, it undergoes rapid and efficient absorption into the bloodstream. 

Distribution 

Dihydrostreptomycin exhibits extensive distribution throughout the body, permeating diverse tissues and fluids. To a certain degree, it can traverse the blood-brain barrier, enhancing its effectiveness in addressing specific infections, notably those impacting the central nervous system. 

Metabolism 

The body does not significantly metabolize dihydrostreptomycin. Most of the medication is still in its original form. 

Elimination and Excretion 

Dihydrostreptomycin is chiefly excreted through the kidneys, primarily via glomerular filtration. The excretion of the drug is dependent on renal function, and in individuals with impaired kidney function, dose adjustments may be required. 

Given the relatively short elimination half-life of Dihydrostreptomycin, frequent dosing is necessary to uphold therapeutic concentrations. The dosing frequency is frequently adapted depending on the severity of the infection and the renal function of the patient. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Administration via Intramuscular Route Only 

For adults: The mid-lateral thigh or the buttock upper outer quadrant is the recommended administration location. 

When it comes to children, it is best to inject intramuscularly, ideally in the mid-lateral thigh muscles. To reduce the danger of sciatic nerve damage in newborns and young children, the peripheral of the gluteal region upper outer quadrant should only be used when absolutely essential, as in the case of burn patients. 

The deltoid area should be employed only if well developed, such as in certain adults and older children, and caution must be exercised to prevent radial nerve injury. 

Avoid intramuscular injections into the lower and mid-third of the upper arm. As with all intramuscular injections, aspiration is crucial to prevent inadvertent injection into a blood vessel. 

It is recommended to alternate injection sites. Given that higher doses or more prolonged therapy with Dihydrostreptomycin Sulfate may be necessary for severe or fulminating infections (e.g., endocarditis, meningitis), the physician should take appropriate measures to promptly identify any signs or symptoms of toxicity arising from Dihydrostreptomycin Sulfate therapy. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: dihydrostreptomycin 

Pronounced: dye-hy-droh-strep-toh-my-sin 

Why do we use dihydrostreptomycin? 

Dihydrostreptomycin, classified as an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is primarily employed for treating bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. Its prescription may be warranted for various reasons, including: 

1. Bacterial Infections: Dihydrostreptomycin exhibits effectiveness against a diverse range of bacteria, making it suitable for addressing infections such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, and other bacterial conditions where aminoglycosides are recommended. 
2. Combination Therapy: In certain instances, dihydrostreptomycin is incorporated into combination therapy with other antibiotics to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment. 
3. Specific Infections: The antibiotic is employed in the management of particular infections, such as those instigated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 

It’s crucial to emphasize that the utilization of antibiotics, including dihydrostreptomycin, should be guided by the specific bacteria type causing the infection and its susceptibility to the antibiotic. After carefully evaluating the patient’s condition and determining the best course of action, a medical practitioner should determine whether to administer dihydrostreptomycin. Always adhere to the prescribed dosage and treatment duration as directed by a healthcare provider.