About neomycin sulphate
Aminoglycoside antibiotic
Used for
- Bowel preparation before certain operations
- Reducing intestinal bacteria that produce ammonia in hepatic encephalopathy
Usual adult dose
Bowel preparation: commonly 1 g every hour for four doses, or 1 g every four hours for doses specified by the surgical team. Hepatic encephalopathy: commonly 4–12 g daily in divided doses for up to six days.
Usual dose in children
Not routinely used in children; dosing must be specialist-directed.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Kidney damage
- Numbness or muscle weakness
Important warnings
- Can cause permanent hearing and kidney damage, especially with high doses or prolonged use.
- Avoid prolonged treatment; absorption from the bowel can still cause serious toxicity.
- Use cautiously with kidney impairment or existing hearing or balance problems.
- Rarely, can cause severe muscle weakness or breathing problems.
Pregnancy
Avoid unless clearly necessary; safety is uncertain and fetal harm is possible.
Breastfeeding
Use only if prescribed; small amounts may enter milk, and effects on the infant are uncertain.
Interactions
- Other drugs that can damage hearing or kidneys, including gentamicin and vancomycin
- Loop diuretics such as furosemide
- Neuromuscular-blocking medicines used during anesthesia
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.