Neomycin Tablets

What is this medication?

NEOMYCIN (nee oh MYE sin) treats infections caused by bacteria. It may also be used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a condition where the liver does not clear toxins from the body. It works by decreasing the amount of toxins in the blood. This decreases symptoms. It belongs to a group of medications called antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Blockage in your bowels
• Have been told you have an increased likelihood of hearing problems
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Kidney disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson disease
• Personal or family history of hearing loss or problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to neomycin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Cisplatin
• Cyclosporine
• Diuretics
• Estrogen or progestin hormones
• Medications that relax muscles
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Other medications for infection, such as acyclovir, adefovir, amphotericin B, bacitracin, colistin, foscarnet, ganciclovir, gentamicin, pentamidine, polymyxin B, vancomycin
• Pamidronate
• Zoledronic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Your hearing may be tested before and during the use of this medication. Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your hearing.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Make sure you get enough vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

Discuss this medication with your care team if you may be pregnant. There are reports of hearing loss in infants exposed to this medication during pregnancy. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Hearing loss, ringing in ears
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, change in vision, confusion or trouble speaking, loss of balance or coordination, trouble walking, seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.