Neomycin (oral)

About oral neomycin

Oral neomycin is taken up by the bacterial cell where it then causes cell death. The number of bacterial cells is therefore reduced.

Before taking oral neomycin

Before taking oral neomycin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
• If you are severely constipated or feel you may have an internal blockage.

• For practical reasons, neomycin tablets are not recommended in children under 6 years.

How to take oral neomycin

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow neomycin tablets whole (not crushed or chewed), with plenty of water.
• Try to take this medicine at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of neomycin in your body.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It is important to complete the prescribed course of neomycin, even if your condition has improved. If you stop taking this medicine too soon you may be at risk of further infection.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking neomycin.
• If you have to have any blood tests, tell the person carrying out the test that you are being treated with neomycin.
• Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking neomycin. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking neomycin and for at least seven days after your course of neomycin has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can oral neomycin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side-effects may include increased salivation (watery mouth), sore mouth, confusion, pins and needles or tingling sensation, disorientation, skin rash or itching, ringing in the ears and abnormal eye movements. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store oral neomycin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines