Neomycin
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.
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