Neomycin
About
Neomycin belongs to a group of medicines known as aminoglycosides antibiotics used to treat infections of the skin. Bacterial skin infection occurs when germs enter the body through a breach in the skin, such as a cut or scratch. A cut or scratch does not guarantee that you will acquire a skin infection, but it does raise your risk if you have a weaker immune system.
Neomycin contains neomycin, a topical antibiotic that inhibits the development of key proteins required for bacteria to live, proliferate, and increase in number. As a result, it effectively treats infections of the skin.
Neomycin is for external use only. Some people may notice dry skin, a burning sensation, peeling, itching, and redness. Most of these side effects are temporary and will go away on their own. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
It is recommended not to use Neomycin if you are allergic to any components present in it or allergic to any other aminoglycosides antibiotics. Do not use the Neomycin on open wounds, blisters, and lesions. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor. Make sure Neomycin does not come into contact with your eyes, nose, or mucous membrane while applying it. If Neomycin unintentionally touches these places, properly clean them with water. Neomycin should not be given to children below 6 years without a doctor's recommendation.
Uses of Neomycin
Medicinal Benefits
Neomycin contains neomycin, an antibiotic, that is used to prevent or treat skin infections caused by bacteria. It stops bacterial growth by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. As a result, it effectively treats infections of the skin.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Neomycin
- Itching
- Rash
- Redness
- Swelling
- Irritation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Neomycin if you are allergic to neomycin or any ingredients of Neomycin. Neomycin is not recommended for use in people with dehydration, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disease), Parkinson’s disease, ototoxicity, or kidney or liver problem. Avoid applying Neomycin cream on sunburns, lesions, blisters, and open wounds. Neomycin may have harmful effects on the baby; hence Neomycin should not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant and a lactating mother. If you apply Neomycin to breasts or nipples for treatment, wash it off while nursing your baby. If you cannot breathe or have difficulty breathing, please visit your doctor immediately as it can be fatal. Do not take Neomycin with other aminoglycosides to increase side effects, which can be dangerous.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Neomycin may interact with antibiotics (e.g. amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, penicillin), heart medicines (e.g digoxin), cancer medication (e.g. methotrexate), antiviral medicines (e.g. adefovir, cidofovir), blood thinner (e.g. warfarin), diuretics (e.g. bumetanide, furosemide, torsemide).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interaction was found or established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Neomycin is known to interact if you have diaper rash, dehydration, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disease), Parkinson’s disease, kidney/liver problem, ear problem (ototoxicity), breathing problems (asthma, COPD).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interaction was found. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
unsafeNeomycin is a category D pregnancy drug, which may cause fetal abnormalities if used while pregnant. Its usage during pregnancy may cause hearing problems (ototoxicity) in the fetus. It is advised to consult your doctor if you are pregnant before starting Neomycin.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCaution should be exercised. Neomycin is not recommended to use in breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before using Neomycin.
Driving
safe if prescribedNeomycin will not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionConsult your doctor if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment before using Neomycin. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Neomycin. However, it is not recommended in patients with severe liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor if you have any history of kidney problems before using Neomycin. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Neomycin. However, it is not recommended in patients with severe liver diseases.
Children
cautionNeomycin is not prescribed for children below the age of 6 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Always wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid further sweat and the spread of skin infection.
- Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent bacterial infections.
- Do not scratch the affected area of the skin as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes, or socks with others.
- Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial skin infections: Bacterial skin infection occurs when germs enter the body through a breach in the skin, such as a cut or scratch. A cut or scratch does not guarantee that you will acquire a skin infection, but it does raise your risk if you have a weaker immune system.
Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections are the proliferation/multiplication of harmful strains of bacteria inside or on the body. The general signs and symptoms of bacterial infections include fever, tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groin.
FAQs
Neomycin contains neomycin, a topical antibiotic that inhibits the development of key proteins required for bacteria to live, proliferate, and increase in number. As a result, it effectively treats infections of the skin.
Do not use Neomycin more frequently than necessary. Neomycin can enter the body through broken skin and cause renal difficulties as well as hearing impairments.
Neomycin is not recommended use to treat diaper rash.
If your skin problem does not improve within a week, or if it worsens, consult with your doctor.
