Neomycin is an antibiotic drug to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear (otitis externa), skin, or eyes. This medication is available in the form of eye drops, ear drops, ointment, cream, or gel.
Neomycin belongs to the class of aminoglycoside antibiotics, which work by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause infection. Keep in mind, this drug can not be used to treat infections caused by viruses or fungi.
Neomycin trademark: Celefa, Cordema, Enbatic, Erladerm-N, Gentason-N, Liposin, Mycenta, Nelydex, Neosinol
What is Neomycin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Aminoglycoside antibiotics |
| Benefit | Treats bacterial infections in the skin, eyes, or ears |
| Used by | Adults and children >1 year old |
| Neomycin for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. It is not known whether neomycin is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Eye drops, ear drops, ointments, creams and gels |
Precautions Before Using Neomycin
There are several things you should pay attention to before using neomycin, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Neomycin should not be used in patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, vertigo, tinnitus, deafness, Parkinson's disease, colitis, intestinal obstruction, or liver disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or any serious side effects after taking neomycin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Neomycin
Neomycin should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Neomycin is often found in combination with other antibiotics, such as polymyxin. The following are general doses of neomycin based on their intended use:
- Purpose: Treat skin infections
Apply an adequate amount of neomycin ointment, cream, or gel to the affected skin area, 1-3 times a day.
- Purpose: Overcoming eye infections
Instill a drug containing neomycin 1-2 times in the infected eye, 6 times a day.
- Purpose: Overcoming otitis externa
Put a medicine containing neomycin on the ear that has been cleaned and dried, 3-4 times a day. If symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, see a doctor immediately.
How to Use Neomycin Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the medicine package before using neomycin. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
If you are using neomycin in the form of an ointment, cream, or gel, make sure the infected area of the skin is clean and dry. Apply the medicine thinly and evenly. Do not cover or wrap the area that has just been smeared with neomycin with a bandage, except as directed by your doctor.
Wash hands with soap and running water after using this medicine. If you use it on your hands, wait at least 30 minutes before washing it.
Neomycin should not be applied to areas covered by diapers. If you are directed to apply neomycin to the area, do not wear a diaper or tight pants, as they can increase absorption of the drug which can cause side effects.
If you are using neomycin in the form of eye or ear drops, first clean the eye or ear to be treated, then dry. Drop the drug according to the dose recommended by the doctor and the instructions on the package.
If you want to use it on injured skin, just apply an adequate amount of the medicine. The absorption of this drug will increase when applied to the injured skin and can cause systemic effects (throughout the body). If the drug is used in excess, the risk of side effects will increase.
Store neomycin at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Neomycin Interactions with Other Drugs
Taking neomycin with amikacin, tobramycin, amphotericin B, cisplatin, polymyxin B, or bacitracin can increase the risk of side effects on the kidneys or the nervous system.
Neomycin Side Effects and Dangers
If used according to the doctor's recommendations and the instructions for use listed on the packaging, neomycin rarely causes side effects. However, there are some side effects that may occur after using neomycin ointment, cream, or gel, namely:
- Burning feeling on the skin
- Reddish skin
- Rashes appear on the skin
- skin irritation
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. If absorbed throughout the body (systemic), neomycin can also cause hearing loss or kidney problems. See your doctor right away if you experience tinnitus, infrequent urination, or an allergic reaction to medications after taking neomycin.