User:Mr. Ibrahem/Neomycin

Neomycin is an antibiotic. Applied to the skin it is used to treat superficial bacterial skin infections. By mouth it is used to sterilize the bowel before surgery and to treat hepatic encephalopathy. As an eye drop it is used for conjunctivitis and as an ear drop it is used for otitis externa.

Common side affects when applied to the skin include contact dermatitis. Common side effects when taken by mouth include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Other side effects when taken by mouth may include hearing problems, balance problems, kidney problems, and seizures. While it is unclear if applying it to the skin is safe in pregnancy, taking it by mouth may harm the baby. It is in the aminoglycoside class.

Neomycin was discovered in 1949 and approval for medical use in 1952. It is available as a generic medication. The cream is available in combination with polymyxin B, bacitracin, or hydrocortisone and over the counter. In the United States 100 tablets of 500 mg cost about 86 USD as of 2021. In the United Kingdom combination products applied externally are generally inexpensive.