Neomycin Side Effects
For the Consumer
Applies to neomycin: oral solution, oral tablet
Warning
Oral route (Tablet; Solution)
Systemic absorption occurs following oral administration and toxic reactions may occur. Therapy has been associated with potential neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Patients with impaired renal function, advanced age, dehydration, and those who receive high dosage or prolonged therapy are at an increased risk of toxicity. Monitor renal and auditory function during therapy. Aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity is usually irreversible. Neuromuscular blockade and respiratory paralysis have also been reported following administration. Concurrent use of other potentially neurotoxic or nephrotoxic agents, or potent diuretics should be avoided.
Along with its needed effects, neomycin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking neomycin:
Rare
- Any loss of hearing
- clumsiness
- diarrhea
- difficulty in breathing
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
- increased amount of gas
- increased thirst
- light-colored, frothy, fatty-appearing stools
- ringing or buzzing or a feeling of fullness in the ears
- skin rash
- unsteadiness
- weakness
Some side effects of neomycin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More Common
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to neomycin: compounding powder, oral solution, oral tablet
General
The most commonly reported side effects included diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Frequency not reported: Increased fecal fat, increased salivation, steatorrhea, stomatitis[Ref]
Metabolic
Metabolic syndrome occurred with prolonged therapy, and included increased fecal fat, steatorrhea, decreased serum carotene, and a fall in xylose absorption. Steatorrhea and diarrhea occurring during metabolic syndrome can be very severe.[Ref]
Frequency not reported: Decreased serum carotene, electrolyte disturbances, fall in xylose absorption, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, malabsorption syndrome[Ref]
Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Neuromuscular blockade/blockage, neurotoxicity, nystagmus, paresthesia, vestibular toxicity[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Drug fever, ototoxicity, permanent bilateral ototoxicity[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis, cross-sensitivity, hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: Increased bilirubin levels, increased hepatic enzyme levels[Ref]
Hematologic
Frequency not reported: Blood dyscrasias, hemolytic anemia[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Confusion, disorientation[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Dermatitis, pruritus[Ref]
Renal
Frequency not reported: Nephrotoxicity[Ref]
Immunologic
Superinfection occurred with prolonged therapy.[Ref]
Frequency not reported: Superinfection[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Respiratory paralysis[Ref]
References
1. "Product Information. Neomycin (neomycin)" Pharma-Tek, Huntington, NY.
2. "Product Information. Mycifradin (neomycin)." Emerson Laboratories, Texarkana, TX.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
Related questions
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- Drug class: aminoglycosides
Consumer resources
Other brands: Neo-Tab, Neo-Fradin
