About neomycin sulfate
Aminoglycoside antibiotic
Used for
- Bowel preparation before certain operations
- Reducing gut bacteria that produce ammonia in hepatic encephalopathy
Usual adult dose
Usually 1–3 g daily in divided doses for hepatic encephalopathy; bowel-preparation regimens vary.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-directed dosing only; not routinely used in children.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Kidney damage
- Numbness or muscle weakness
Important warnings
- Oral neomycin can be absorbed and cause serious kidney or hearing damage.
- Risk increases with prolonged use, kidney problems, or high doses.
- Avoid in bowel obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease unless specifically directed.
- Use only for prescribed courses; it is not suitable for routine infections.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; potential fetal harm is possible, especially with prolonged or high-dose treatment.
Breastfeeding
Systemic absorption is usually low, but use requires clinical assessment; prolonged treatment may affect the infant’s gut bacteria.
Interactions
- Other medicines harmful to kidneys or hearing, including some antibiotics and diuretics
- Neuromuscular blocking medicines and anesthetics
- Warfarin: intestinal vitamin K changes may affect anticoagulation
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.