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What is the most important information I should know about paromomycin?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Paromomycin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities and contact your doctor.

What is paromomycin?

Paromomycin is an antibiotic.

Paromomycin is used in the treatment of various intestinal infections. Paromomycin is also used in the treatment of certain liver problems.

Paromomycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking paromomycin?

Before taking paromomycin, tell your doctor if you have

• stomach or intestinal problems such as stomach ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal blockage (obstruction);

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

You may not be able to take paromomycin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not take paromomycin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Do not take paromomycin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take paromomycin?

Take paromomycin 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 dose with a full glass of water. Take paromomycin with food.

It is important to take paromomycin regularly to get the most benefit.

Store paromomycin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. 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 unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a paromomycin overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking paromomycin?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Paromomycin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities and contact your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of paromomycin?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;

• little or no urine production; or

• dizziness.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take paromomycin and talk to your doctor if you experience

• nausea or vomiting;

• diarrhea; or

• itching.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect paromomycin?

Talk to your doctor before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with paromomycin.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about paromomycin written for healthcare professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Paromomycin is available with a prescription under the brand name Humatin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

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.