What are the risks and benefits of using streptomycin-containing regimens for treatment of Enterococcal Endocarditis?
The main advantage of using streptomycin-containing regimens is that streptomycin is less nephrotoxic than gentamicin. However, there are several disadvantages of using streptomycin-containing regimens including a lack of familiarity among clinicians with streptomycin, a higher risk of ototoxicity, which may not be reversible, and drug availability limitations. In addition, most laboratories do not routinely perform serum streptomycin assays and may not have access to a clinical pharmacist to assist in dosing adjustments.