NEOMYCIN (Oral)

Brand & Generic Names

Mycifradin
Neo-fradin

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antibiotic

Uses

• Clears intestinal tract of germs prior to surgery.
• Treats some causes of diarrhea.
• Lowers blood cholesterol.
• Lessens symptoms of hepatic coma.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.

When to take:
According to directions on prescription.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Kills germs susceptible to neomycin.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 to 3 days.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Loss of hearing, difficulty breathing, respiratory paralysis.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Sore mouth or rectum, nausea, vomiting.

Infrequent:

None expected.

Rare:

Clumsiness, dizziness, rash, hearing loss, ringing or noises in ear, frothy stools, gaseousness, decreased frequency of urination, diarrhea.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to neomycin or any aminoglycoside*. (See Interactions section.)

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.
• If you have hearing loss or loss of balance secondary to 8th cranial nerve disease.
• If you have intestinal obstruction.
• If you have myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease, ulcers in intestines.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Avoid if possible.

Infants & children:
Give only under close medical supervision.

Prolonged use:

• Adverse effects more likely.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check hearing, kidney function.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Aminoglycosides*	Increased chance of toxic effect on
	hearing, kidneys, muscles.
Beta carotene	Decreased absorption of beta carotene.
Capreomycin	Increased chance of toxic effects
	on hearing, kidneys.
Cephalothin	Increased chance of toxic effect on
	kidneys.
Cisplatin	Increased chance of toxic effects
	on hearing, kidneys.
Ethacrynic acid	Increased chance of toxic effects
	on hearing, kidneys.
Furosemide	Increased chance of toxic effects
	on hearing, kidneys.
Mercaptomerin	Increased chance of toxic effects
	on hearing, kidneys.
Tiopronin	Increased risk of toxicity to
	kidneys.
Vancomycin	Increased chance of toxic effects
	on hearing, kidneys.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Increased chance of toxicity.
	Avoid.
Beverages:	No problems expected.
Cocaine:	Increased chance of toxicity.
	Avoid.
Foods:	No problems expected.
Marijuana:	Increased chance of toxicity.
	Avoid.
Tobacco:	No problems expected.