Streptomycin was the first effective anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug to be discovered. It is now rarely used for treating TB, except in the case of strains that have developed resistance to the drugs that are now usually used.

Side-effects from streptomycin can include allergic reactions, ear problems, kidney damage and pain at the injection site, since it is administered by intramuscular injection. It should be used only with great care in people with kidney impairment.