• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Interactions

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
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.

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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.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Neomycin has been assigned to pregnancy category D by the FDA. Animal studies have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy; however, other aminoglycoside antibiotics cross the placenta. Streptomycin use in pregnancy has been associated with irreversible bilateral deafness in children. Serious fetal side effects have not been reported with other aminoglycosides. Patients should be warned of potential hazards to the fetus if they if take neomycin during pregnancy or become pregnant while taking this drug.

There are no data on the excretion of neomycin into human milk. Other aminoglycosides are excreted into human milk. The manufacturer recommends that due to the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Neomycin was excreted into cow milk after intramuscular injection.

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What does my medication look like?
Neomycin is available with a prescription generically and under the brand names Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, and Neo-Tab. 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.

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What happens if I overdose?
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.

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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.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
If you have been diagnosed with a disease for which an antibiotic is needed, you must complete the prescribed course of treatment. Even if you start to feel better, do not skip any doses and remember to take the medication until it is all gone.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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