neomycin

Last edited 02/2021 and last reviewed 08/2023

Neomycin is an antibiotic that is indicated for:

• bowel sterilisation prior to surgery - too toxic for parenteral administration

N.B. Small amounts may be absorbed by patients with hepatic impairment and ototoxicity may result, especially if there is concomitant uraemia.

Cautions:

• increase dose interval in renal impairment. Also, if the impairment is severe, the dose should be reduced.
• beware drug interactions - see current issue of BNF

Contra-indications:

• pregnancy
• myasthenia Gravis - aminoglycosides may impair neuromuscular transmission; indeed large doses given during surgery may be responsible for a transient myasthenic syndrome

Side-effects:

• vestibular damage
• reversible nephrotoxicity

N.B. Both vestibular and renal toxicity are dose related and occur most often in the elderly and in those with renal impairment.

• hypomagnesaemia in prolonged therapy
• pseudomembranous colitis

Route of administration;

• Oral: - tablets - elixir

The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing this drug.