In following which is the side effect of streptomycin?

Appeared in: HPSSC - 2015

Explanation

Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, a class of drugs known for specific toxicities.
The most important dose-limiting side effect of Streptomycin is ototoxicity, which is damage to the 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve).
This nerve has two parts: the vestibular part (controls balance) and the cochlear part (controls hearing). Streptomycin can damage both, leading to vertigo, ataxia (loss of balance), tinnitus (ringing in ears), and permanent hearing loss.
Streptomycin concentrates in the labyrinthine fluid of the inner ear, leading to destructive changes in the sensory cells.
Another significant side effect is nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), although it is less common with streptomycin compared to other aminoglycosides.

Option A: While diarrhea can be a side effect of many antibiotics due to disruption of gut flora, it is not the specific or most serious toxicity associated with Streptomycin.
Option B: Bone marrow depression (myelosuppression) is not a characteristic side effect of Streptomycin or other aminoglycosides.
Option D: This option is identical to the correct answer (Option C). In a single-best-answer question format, this duplication indicates a flaw in the question's construction. While the statement itself is correct, one must choose a single option.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Side effects of anti-tubercular drugs (Streptomycin) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must monitor patients on Streptomycin for early signs of ototoxicity, such as tinnitus, vertigo, or any hearing changes, and report them immediately.
Baseline and periodic audiometry (hearing tests) and renal function tests (BUN, creatinine) are crucial for patients on long-term aminoglycoside therapy.
Patient education should include instructions to report any dizziness, balance problems, or ringing in the ears.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the drug in the question: Streptomycin.
Recall the drug class: Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, used for treating tuberculosis.
Access your knowledge about the major toxicities of this drug class. The key toxicities for aminoglycosides are ototoxicity (ear toxicity) and nephrotoxicity (kidney toxicity).
Evaluate the options based on this knowledge.
Option A (Diarrhea) is a general antibiotic side effect, not specific.
Option B (Bone marrow depression) is incorrect; it's associated with other drugs.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacology: Side effects of anti-tubercular drugs (Streptomycin)
Stem keywords: side effect, streptomycin
Lead-in keywords: which is
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Practise the full HPSSC - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.