Spectinomycin is an aminocyclitol antibiotic produced by a species of soil bacterium named Streptomyces spectabilis. The drug binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit in invading bacteria and interrupts protein synthesis (humans do not have a 30S subunit). Spectinomycin is the drug of choice to treat most types of gonorrhea, and is administered by muscle injection. The drug is also useful in patients who are allergic to penicillin and other antibiotics. Side effects include chills, itching, and redness of the skin.