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.

mechanism of action

Spectinomycin is an inhibitor of protein synthesis in the bacterial cell; the site of action is the 30S ribosomal subunit. It is bactericidal in its action.

toxicity

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

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.