Which anti-TB agent was the first drug shown effective against tuberculosis but is avoided during pregnancy because it crosses the placenta and can cause congenital sensorineural deafness in the fetus?

• A Capreomycin
• B Ethambutol
• C Streptomycin ✓
• D Para-aminosalicylic acid

Explanation

Streptomycin, discovered by Waksman in 1943, was the first effective anti-TB drug. As an aminoglycoside it shares class toxicity of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, and transplacental passage can cause congenital deafness, making it contraindicated in pregnancy. Ethambutol and PAS are considered relatively safe in pregnancy, and capreomycin, though also potentially ototoxic, is not the classical answer tied to congenital deafness in exam settings.

Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.