Spectinomycin - experimental investigations on possible side-effects

Experimental investigations were performed to elaborate the immunogenic and anaphylactoid properties of spectinomycin. In guinea-pigs, no allergy against spectinomycin could be elicited. Furthermore, the absence of immunologic cross-reactions between spectinomycin and penicillin could be confirmed. The anaphylactoid activity of spectinomycin was found to be of very low order. No mast cell degranulating action could be observed. The data collected in this study permit the statement that - as far as acute unwanted actions of antibiotics are concerned - spectinomycin is an extremely safe drug.