Drug Groups

approved

Description

An antibiotic produced by Streptomyces spectabilis. It is active against gram-negative bacteria and used for the treatment of gonorrhea.

Indication

For use in the treatment of acute gonorrheal urethritis and proctitis in the male and acute gonorrheal cervicitis and proctitis in the female when due to susceptible strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Pharmacology

Spectinomycin is an aminocyclitol antibiotic produced by a species of soil microorganism designated as Streptomyces spectabilis. In vitro studies have shown spectinomycin to be active against most strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (minimum inhibitory concentration <7.5 to 20 mcg/mL). Footprint studies indicate that spectinomycin exerts regional effects on ribosomal structure.

Toxicity

Acute oral toxicity (LD₅₀): >5000 mg/kg [Rat]. Information on overdosage in humans is not available.

Affected Organisms

Absorption

Rapidly and almost completely absorbed after intramuscular injection.

Half Life

1 to 3 hours in patients with normal renal function and 10 to 30 hours in patients with impaired renal function with a creatinine clearance < 20 mL per minute.

Protein Binding

Not significant

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