Neomycin

Introduction To Neomycin

Neomycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections. It is effective in treating infected cuts, wounds, and minor burns. This medicine stops the bacteria from growing, which helps to resolve your symptoms and cure the underlying infection.

Neomycin is meant for external use only. It should be applied only to the affected area of the skin as per the dosage and schedule prescribed by your doctor. To get the most benefit, apply it regularly and preferably at a fixed time each day. Do not use larger amounts or apply it more often or for a longer duration than directed. This will only increase the risk of side effects.

Local side effects like minor burning, irritation, itching, and redness may be seen after the application of this medicine. These side effects are temporary and resolve quickly. Consult your doctor if these persist or if your condition does not improve.

Avoid any contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse off any accidentally exposed area with water. Before using it, inform your doctor if you have any previous history of allergy to it or any other medicine. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using it.

Uses of Neomycin

  • Bacterial skin infections

Benefits of Neomycin

Bacterial skin infections
Neomycin is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of infection- causing bacteria on your skin. It prevents the synthesis of essential proteins necessary for the survival of bacteria. It is effective against skin infections such as boils, impetigo, and infected hair follicles. It may also be used to treat infections in small cuts or wounds on your skin. This treatment has few common side effects and should clear up infections within a few days, but you should keep using it for as long as it is prescribed.

Side effects of Neomycin

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Sofragal

  • Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)

How to use Neomycin

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

How Neomycin works

Neomycin is an antibiotic. It stops bacterial growth by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.

Quick tips

  • You have been prescribed Neomycin for the treatment of bacterial skin infections.
  • It should be applied to the affected areas as a thin film, two or three times daily, or as advised by your doctor.
  • Don't use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor. Inform your doctor if your skin problem hasn't improved after seven days of treatment.
  • Don't apply it to broken skin and avoid getting it in your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Don't cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages unless directed by a doctor, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
  • It may cause temporary burning, itching or a redness at application site. This is usually mild. Consult your doctor if you experience a more severe reaction.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Neomycin if I’m pregnant?

Neomycin may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Neomycin if I’m breastfeeding?

Neomycin is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. The baby's skin should not come into direct contact with the treated area of skin. Water-miscible cream/gel is preferred as ointments may expose the baby to harmful effects of Neomycin via licking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Neomycin?

What is it used for? Neomycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections. It may also be used to treat infected cuts and wounds. Neomycin stops the bacteria from growing, which helps to resolve the symptoms.

Q. Is Neomycin effective?

Neomycin is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Neomycin too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.

Q. How to use Neomycin?

Before using Neomycin, clean and dry the affected area. Gently and thoroughly massage it into the skin. Be careful not to get the medication in your eyes or mouth. If Neomycin gets in your eyes accidentally, wash with plenty of water and call your doctor if your eyes are irritated.

Q. What precautions do I need to take while using Neomycin?

Be careful not to get Neomycin into your eyes or mouth. If you happen to get it in your eyes, rinse off with plenty of water immediately and contact your doctor. You must not use Neomycin if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor if you notice any allergic reaction while using it for the first time. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines regularly to prevent any allergic reaction with other medicines. Do not cover the area being treated with Neomycin with a bandage, as this may increase absorption of this medicine and increase the side effects. Do not use more than what is recommended to relieve your symptoms faster. Using more than what is advised will only increase the side effects. Let your doctor know if you are planning to conceive. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should use Neomycin only if prescribed by the doctor.

Q. What should I do if I forget to use Neomycin?

If you forget to use Neomycin, do not worry and continue using Neomycin as soon as you remember. However, if you are not sure and have any other doubts, please consult your doctor.

Q. Is Neomycin safe?

Neomycin is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

Disclaimer: The contents of this material are solely intended for informational purposes and do not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. MediClap does not offer advice, endorse any specific prescription drug, pharmacy, or other information on the site. Furthermore, MediClap does not provide any warranty for the information presented. It is recommended that you seek medical advice prior to commencing, altering, or terminating any medical treatment.
MediClap strives to make its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Should you encounter any difficulty accessing this website, kindly send an email to hello@mediclap.com to enable us to provide the necessary services through alternative means.
MediClap is not affiliated with nor sponsored by any of the third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights mentioned remain the sole property of their respective owners.