Spectinomycin
Spectinomycin is an injectable aminocyclitol antibiotic used primarily to treat uncomplicated gonococcal infections. It serves as an alternative therapy for patients who cannot tolerate standard treatments like cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones due to allergies or resistance.
Spectinomycin is an injectable antibiotic used to treat gonorrhea, particularly when other treatments are contraindicated or ineffective.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01XX04
- RxNorm
- 270
- Generic
- Spectinomycin
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- SpectoGard
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- solution, suspension
- 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.
Treatment of uncomplicated urogenital, anorectal, and pharyngeal gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Used as an alternative when first-line agents like cephalosporins are inappropriate due to allergy, intolerance, or documented resistance.
Spectinomycin binds to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit and inhibits protein synthesis by blocking the translocation step. This prevents the formation of functional proteins essential for bacterial growth and replication, resulting in a bacteriostatic effect.
Administered as a single intramuscular injection. Limited effectiveness against other sexually transmitted infections and does not adequately penetrate the blood-brain barrier. May cause injection site reactions, dizziness, or nausea. Not recommended for treating syphilis due to lack of efficacy against Treponema pallidum.
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 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy