Neomycin is typically used to reduce the number of bacteria present in the intestine.
What is Neomycin?
Neomycin is an antibiotic that works by blocking the production of proteins in bacteria sensitive to its action. The end result is the death of bacterial cells.
How should Neomycin be taken?
Neomycin is administered orally. In order to avoid the risk of dehydration, it is advisable to take neomycin with abundant amounts of water.
Side effects associated with Neomycin
Neomycin can cause permanent hearing loss, nerve damage and severe kidney problems. It can also exert a powerful muscle relaxant effect which may progress to paralysis and respiratory problems.
Among the other possible side effects of neomycin include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Respiratory difficulties
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Bloody stool
- Dizziness
- Hearing loss
- Muscle twitches
- Tinnitus
- Convulsions
- Tingling or numbness
- Irritation or vaginal discharge
- Cramps or abdominal pain
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Neomycin
Neomycin should not be taken by children under the ages of 6.
Before starting treatment with neomycin, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other drugs (particularly similar antibiotics such as gentamicin) or any food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: fludarabine, muscle relaxants, penicillins, cefalosprine, diuretics, methoxyflurane, nitrosourea, anticoagulants, digoxin, methotrexate, polypeptide antibiotics, vancomycin and succinylcholine
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric diseases, stomach infections, diarrhea or nerve damage
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
