Neomycin topical (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed

Neomycin, an antibiotic, is used to prevent or treat skin infections caused by bacteria. It is not effective against fungal or viral infections.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used

Neomycin comes in cream and ointment that is applied to the skin. Neomycin usually is used one to three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use neomycin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Thoroughly clean the infected area, allow it to dry, and then gently rub the medication in until most of it disappears. Use just enough medication to cover the affected area. You should wash your hands after applying the medication.

Do not apply neomycin to a child's diaper area, especially if the skin is raw, unless directed to do so by a doctor. If you are directed to apply neomycin to a child's diaper area, do not use tightly fitting diapers or plastic pants. They can increase the absorption of the drug, which can cause harmful effects.

Apply only small amounts of neomycin to scrapes, cuts, burns, sores, and wounds, and do not apply it more frequently than directed. Neomycin can be absorbed into the body through broken skin and cause kidney problems and hearing difficulty.

What special precautions should I follow

Before using neomycin

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to neomycin or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using neomycin, call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Neomycin may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• irritation
• burning
• redness
• rash
• itching
• hearing difficulty
• decreased urination

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Neomycin may become discolored, but this change does not affect its action. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Neomycin is for external use only. Do not let neomycin get into your eyes, nose, or mouth, and do not swallow it. Do not apply dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the neomycin, call your doctor.

Brand names

• Myciguent®
• Neo-Rx® Micronized Antibiotic Powder for Prescription Compounding
• Neosporin® G.U. Irrigant

Brand names of combination products

• Bactine® First Aid Antibiotic Plus Anesthetic containing Neomycin Sulfate, Bacitracin Zinc, Lidocaine, and Polymyxin B Sulfate
• Campho-Phenique® First Aid Antibiotic Plus Pain Reliever Maximum Strength containing Neomycin Sulfate, Bacitracin Zinc, Lidocaine, and Polymyxin B Sulfate
• Mycitracin® Plus Pain Reliever containing Neomycin Sulfate, Bacitracin Zinc, Lidocaine, and Polymyxin B Sulfate
• Mycitracin® Triple Antibiotic First Aid Ointment Maximum Strength containing Neomycin Sulfate, Bacitracin Zinc, and Polymyxin B Sulfate
• Neosporin® containing Neomycin Sulfate, Bacitracin Zinc, and Polymyxin B Sulfate
• Neosporin® Plus Maximum Strength First Aid Antibiotic/Pain Relieving Cream containing Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate, and Pramoxine Hydrochloride
• Neosporin® Plus Maximum Strength First Aid Antibiotic/Pain Relieving Ointment containing Neomycin Sulfate, Bacitracin Zinc, *Polymyxin B Sulfate, and Pramoxine Hydrochloride
• Spectrocin® Plus containing Neomycin Sulfate, Bacitracin Zinc, Lidocaine, and Polymyxin B Sulfate