Dihydrostreptomycin: Guide to This Injectable Antibiotic
Dihydrostreptomycin is an injectable aminoglycoside antibiotic used mainly to treat pulmonary tuberculosis together with other tuberculosis medicines. It must be given by a healthcare professional because it is not effective when taken by mouth.
Dihydrostreptomycin is a prescription injection that is usually used as part of a combination tuberculosis treatment. Hearing and kidney function need careful monitoring, so discuss personal risks and the full treatment plan with a doctor or pharmacist.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- S01AA15
- RxNorm
- 1549540
- Generic
- Dihydrostreptomycin
- Class
- atc-s01
- Brands
- Quartermaster
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks - known fetal ototoxicity risk
regular fetal monitoring including audiometry
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use - crosses placenta and may cause fetal harm
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug - excreted in breast milk
monitor infant for signs of ototoxicity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
neonatesreduce dose and extend interval
use with extreme caution in newborns - immature renal function increases toxicity risk
monitor serum levels renal function and audiometry
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenadjust based on weight and renal function
use only when benefits outweigh risks - monitor closely for ototoxicity
regular audiometric testing and renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose based on renal function
use with caution due to age-related renal decline and increased ototoxicity risk
frequent renal function tests and audiometric monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildreduce dose and extend dosing interval
monitor renal function closely and adjust dose accordingly
frequent serum creatinine monitoring and drug level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid use
contraindicated in severe renal impairment due to high toxicity risk
monitor renal function if use unavoidable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno major adjustment needed
use with caution - drug not metabolized by liver but hepatic impairment may affect distribution
monitor for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information for tuberculosis treatment
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy