What is Neomycin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Neomycin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Neo-Fradin

Generic Names:

  • Neomycin Sulfate

Uses:

  • Treats a condition called hepatic coma, in which the liver does not filter toxins properly and they build up in the blood.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Tablet, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Neomycin used for?

What form(s) does Neomycin come in

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

What are common Neomycin doses?

  • Tablet 500MG

  • Bottle 10GM of

  • Bottle 50GM of

  • Bottle 100GM of

  • Bottle 500GM of

  • Jar 1GM of

Common Neomycin prescriptions

  • Neomycin Sulfate
    500mg tablet

How to take Neomycin

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral routeCarefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral routeCarefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

What to do if you miss a dose of Neomycin

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Neomycin contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to neomycin or to similar medicines such as amikacin, gentamicin, streptomycin, Amikin®, or Garamycin®. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or if you have a stomach ulcer or intestinal colitis.

Neomycin warnings

  • Hearing loss.

  • Numbness, tingling, muscle twitching, or seizure.

  • Shallow breathing.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, or if you are allergic to any medicines. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis or Parkinson's disease.

Neomycin interactions

  • There are many other drugs that can interact with neomycin. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using. This is especially important if you are receiving other treatments for infection, cancer, or muscle disorders.

  • Make sure you doctor knows if you are using digoxin (Lanoxin®, Digitek®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®),

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a diuretic ("water pill") such as furosemide, ethacrynic acid, Edecrin®, or Lasix®.

Neomycin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.

  • Fainting, or loss of consciousness.

  • Hearing loss.

  • Shallow breathing.

  • Numbness, tingling, muscle twitching, or seizure.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

  • Changes in your stools.

  • Vaginal itching or discharge.