Capreomycin

Definition

Capreomycin is an antibiotic used primarily to treat multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). It inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosome.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Capreomycin is classified as a second-line antitubercular drug.
2. It is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains that are resistant to first-line drugs like isoniazid and rifampin.
3. The drug is administered via intramuscular injection due to poor oral absorption.
4. Common side effects include nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, which require monitoring during treatment.
5. Resistance to capreomycin can develop through mutations in the bacterial ribosomal RNA.

Review Questions

• What type of bacteria is capreomycin primarily used to treat?
• How does capreomycin inhibit bacterial growth?
• What are two major side effects associated with capreomycin?

Related terms

Isoniazid: A first-line antitubercular drug that inhibits mycolic acid synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Rifampin: An antibiotic that inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase, commonly used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB): A form of tuberculosis caused by bacteria resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin.