Has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Neomycin? If so, you probably have a lot of questions about this medication. "Why do I take this?", "What are the side effects?", "What are the precautions to take while using it?" You may be wondering. Don't worry, we'll talk about all of this in a simple way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Neomycin?
Simply put, Neomycin is an antibiotic, which means it is a type of antibiotic . It kills bacteria that are harmful to our bodies. But remember, it will not cure illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds and flu.
Neomycin is given mainly for two reasons:
1. Treat bacterial infections: This medicine is used to control bacterial infections that occur in certain parts of the body.
2. Hepatic Encephalopathy: This is a bit of a complicated name. This is a condition that occurs when our liver becomes weak and cannot properly remove toxins from the body. This medicine works by reducing the amount of toxins in the blood and controlling the symptoms.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Health conditions you should report | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Intestinal obstruction | If you have any blockage or obstruction in your intestines. |
| Hearing problems or risk | If you or someone in your family has hearing loss, or if a doctor has told you about such a risk. |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease | If you have long-term inflammation or injury in the intestines, such as IBD. |
| Kidney disease | If you have any type of kidney disease. |
| Myasthenia Gravis | A neurological condition that causes muscle weakness. |
| Parkinson's Disease | If you have Parkinson's disease. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Neomycin or other medicines, foods, dyes, etc. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor.
- The most important thing is to finish the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Don't stop taking it even if you feel a little better. If you do, the infection may come back.
- Children may need special care when taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, do not panic. But immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other medications that may cause problems with Neomycin
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Neomycin. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Possible interactions with Neomycin | |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken together | |
| - Cidofovir `(Cidofovir)` | |
| Other medications that may cause problems and should be reported to the doctor | |
| - Aspirin and similar medications | - Cisplatin `(Cisplatin)` |
| - Cyclosporine `(Cyclosporine)` | - Diuretics (medicines that increase urination) |
| - Estrogen or progestin hormones | - Muscle relaxant medication |
| - NSAIDs (e.g. painkillers like `Ibuprofen`, `Naproxen`) | - Other anti-infectives (e.g. `Acyclovir`, `Gentamicin`, `Vancomycin`) |
Things to keep in mind while taking this medicine
- If your symptoms don't improve, or if they get worse, tell your doctor.
- Be especially careful about your hearing: This medicine can sometimes affect your hearing. Therefore, your doctor may check your hearing before you start taking the medicine and while you are taking it. If you notice any changes in your hearing, such as ringing in your ears, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you have diarrhea: If you have diarrhea for more than two days, or if it is as bad as water, do not take medicine from the pharmacy yourself and call your doctor.
- Vitamins: It is important to get enough vitamins B6 and B12 while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about the foods and vitamins you should be taking.
- Pregnancy: There have been reports that taking this medication during pregnancy may affect the baby's hearing. Therefore, if you are pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor about this and choose the best option.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Neomycin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Hearing problems | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Nervous system problems | Pain in the limbs, numbness, muscle weakness, vision changes, seizures. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| - Diarrhea | |
| - Nausea | |
| - Vomiting | |
How do you protect your medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly.
How do you get rid of unused medicine?
Do not flush expired or unwanted medications down the toilet. The safest way is to take the pills out of their container, crush them, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and put them in a tightly sealed bag and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Neomycin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections and liver conditions.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially kidney or hearing problems.
- Take the full amount of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full duration. Do not stop taking it halfway.
- If you experience any hearing changes, ringing in the ears, severe diarrhea, or any other unusual symptoms while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason.
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