neomycin

Generic Name: neomycin
Other Brand Names: Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab

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.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking neomycin?

Do not take neomycin without first talking to your doctor if you have

  • kidney disease;

  • a blockage in the intestines;

  • bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis;

  • a neuromuscular disorder such as Parkinson’s disease or myasthenia gravis;

  • hearing loss or loss of balance due to ear problems; or

  • 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:

  • an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);

  • little or no urine;

  • decreased hearing, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ears;

  • dizziness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness;

  • numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures; or

  • 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

  • nausea or vomiting; or

  • 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.

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?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an neomycin overdose may include decreased hearing, numbness or tingling, muscle twitching, seizures, and decreased urination.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008