What is neomycin?
Neomycin is an antibiotic.
Neomycin is used to reduce the risk of infection during surgery of the bowel. Neomycin is
also used to reduce the symptoms of hepatic coma.
Neomycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking neomycin?
Do not take neomycin without first talking to your doctor if you have
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kidney disease;
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a blockage in the intestines;
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bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis;
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a neuromuscular disorder such as Parkinson's disease or
myasthenia gravis;
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hearing loss or loss of balance due to ear problems; or
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other medical problems or if you take other medications.
You may not be able to take neomycin, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Neomycin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be
harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take neomycin without first talking to you doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether neomycin passes into breast milk. Do not take neomycin
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take neomycin?
Take neomycin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.
Shake the liquid form of neomycin well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get
a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular
table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get
one.
It is important to take neomycin on a regular schedule to get the most benefit.
Take all of the neomycin that has been prescribed for you even if you feel well. It is
important to take this medication for the full amount of time prescribed.
Neomycin may cause damage to the kidneys and/or nerves. Kidney function and drug levels
in the blood may be monitored with blood tests during treatment. Tell your doctor if you experience
decreased urination, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, feeling of fullness in the ears, dizziness,
numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures which may be signs of kidney or nerve
damage.
Store neomycin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of neomycin?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about neomycin?
Your pharmacist has information about neomycin written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of neomycin?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking neomycin and
seek emergency medical attention:
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an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat;
hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
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little or no urine;
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decreased hearing, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of
fullness in the ears;
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dizziness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness;
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numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures; or
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severe watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take neomycin and talk to your doctor if you experience
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nausea or vomiting; or
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diarrhea.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about neomycin?
Neomycin may cause damage to the kidneys and/or nerves. Kidney function and drug levels
in the blood may be monitored with blood tests during treatment. Tell your doctor if you experience
decreased urination, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, feeling of fullness in the ears, dizziness,
numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures which may be signs of kidney or nerve
damage.
What should I avoid while taking neomycin?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking neomycin unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
What other drugs will affect neomycin?
Other drugs, especially those that affect the kidneys, can interact with neomycin resulting in
dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Do not take any other prescription or
over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking
to your doctor during treatment with neomycin.
What happens if I have an overdose of neomycin?