In septicemic or pneumonic plague, treatment must begin within 24 hours with one of the following if renal function is normal (2; see also the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [CDC] Resources for Clinicians): Streptomycin 1 g IM 2 times a day Gentamicin 5 mg / kg IM or IV once a day (or 2 mg / kg loading dose followed by 1.7 mg / kg every 8 hours) The drug is given for 10 days or until 3 days after temperature has returned to normal.