Which TB drug is associated with ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity?

Which TB drug is associated with ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity?

• A. Ethambutol (Myambutol)
• B. Rifampin (Rifadin)
• C. Streptomycin (Streptomycin)
• D. Isoniazid (INH)

Answer: (C)

Streptomycin, an aminoglycoside used in TB therapy, is known for toxic effects on both the ears and kidneys. Ototoxicity happens when the drug collects in the inner ear’s hair cells, damaging them and causing high-frequency hearing loss and sometimes balance problems. Nephrotoxicity occurs from accumulation in the renal proximal tubules, leading to decreased kidney function and elevated creatinine levels. The risk increases with higher drug levels, longer treatment, dehydration, or other kidney-harming drugs. Because of this, monitoring hearing with audiometry and assessing kidney function during therapy are important, and the drug should be adjusted or stopped if signs of toxicity appear. For contrast, ethambutol tends to cause optic neuritis, rifampin is more associated with hepatotoxicity and colored body fluids, and isoniazid often causes hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy.

Streptomycin, an aminoglycoside used in TB therapy, is known for toxic effects on both the ears and kidneys. Ototoxicity happens when the drug collects in the inner ear’s hair cells, damaging them and causing high-frequency hearing loss and sometimes balance problems. Nephrotoxicity occurs from accumulation in the renal proximal tubules, leading to decreased kidney function and elevated creatinine levels. The risk increases with higher drug levels, longer treatment, dehydration, or other kidney-harming drugs. Because of this, monitoring hearing with audiometry and assessing kidney function during therapy are important, and the drug should be adjusted or stopped if signs of toxicity appear. For contrast, ethambutol tends to cause optic neuritis, rifampin is more associated with hepatotoxicity and colored body fluids, and isoniazid often causes hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy.