Spectinomycin

Other Anti-infective Preps · Aminocyclitol

Indications

Treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhoea.

Dosage

Children: IM: <45 kg: 40 mg/kg/dose 1 time (ceftriaxone preferred). >45 kg: Refer to adult dosing. Adults: Uncomplicated urethral, cervical, pharyngeal, or rectal gonorrhoea: 2 gm deep IM or 4 gm where antibiotic resistance is prevalent 1 time; 4 gm (10 mL) dose should be given as two 5 mL injections, followed by adequate chlamydial treatment (doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7 days). Disseminated gonococcal infection: 2 gm every 12 hr.

Administration

Administer IM injection deep into large muscle mass, preferably upper outer quadrant of gluteal muscle. Reconstitution: Add 3.2 mL bacteriostatic water for injection (with benzyl alcohol) to each 2 gm vial or 6.2 mL of diluent to each 4 gm vial. Shake vial vigorously before withdrawing dose. Use reconstituted solution within 24 hrs, with supplied diluent only.

Adverse Effects

Abdominal cramps, chills, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to spectinomycin or any component of the formulation.

Advice to Patient

This medication is administered intramuscularly. Contact prescriber if signs or symptoms do not improve in few days. Have regular follow-up for blood tests. You will require tests for syphilis at the beginning of treatment and 3 months later because spectinomycin treatment may mask or delay syphilis symptoms. Sexual partner should also be tested for gonorrhoea.

Pharmacokinetics

Duration: IM: 8 hrs. Absorption: Oral: Poorly absorbed. IM: Rapidly absorbed. Half-life elimination: 1-3 hrs. Prolonged in renal impairment. Time to peak, plasma: IM: 2 gm: 1 hr. 4 gm: 2 hrs. Excretion: Urine (100%).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.