Viomycin sulfate

Viomycin sulfate is an antibiotic drug used primarily in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is a cyclic peptide antibiotic, belonging to the tuberactinomycin group of antibiotics. Viomycin sulfate is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is therefore administered by injection.

History

Viomycin was first isolated in 1949 from the bacterium Streptomyces puniceus. It was initially used as a second-line treatment for tuberculosis, but due to its severe side effects, it is now rarely used.

Mechanism of Action

Viomycin sulfate works by inhibiting the synthesis of protein in bacteria. It binds to the ribosomes of the bacteria, preventing the translocation of peptidyl-tRNA from the A-site to the P-site. This inhibits the elongation of the peptide chain, leading to the termination of protein synthesis.

Side Effects

The use of viomycin sulfate is associated with several side effects, including ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neuromuscular blockage. Due to these severe side effects, viomycin sulfate is typically reserved for use in patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis who cannot tolerate other treatments.

Resistance

Resistance to viomycin sulfate can occur through several mechanisms. The most common mechanism is the modification of the drug's target site, the ribosome. This can occur through mutation or methylation of the ribosomal RNA.

See Also

• Tuberculosis treatment
• Antibiotic resistance
• Protein synthesis

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