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What is neomycin? What’s the action? Is it an over-the-counter drug? Neomycin is an antibiotic from the aminoglycoside group and is most often used in the treatment of bacterial infections. The active substance is neomycin, whose task is to inhibit protein synthesis, its molecules bind with bacterial structures, i.e. bacterial ribosomes.
Neomycin prevents the development and growth of bacterial ribosomes, not only inhibits their multiplication, but also in the final stage completely eliminates them. Neomycin is an ointment that is not absorbed into the blood when applied topically, unless it is applied to damaged tissue, in which case it may enter the bloodstream.
Neomycin – application
When can neomycin be used? The drug most often comes in the form of an ointment for topical application. Neomycin is recommended for acute, chronic conjunctivitis, as well as for inflammation of the eyelids. Another use for neomycin:
- locally in purulent dermatitis caused by staphylococcus, for example, staphylococcal lichen
- in complications of skin diseases caused by allergies
- neomycin is also used for frostbite or chafing
- neomycin is often assigned by ophthalmologists with acute conjunctivitis
- when diagnosed with corneal ulceration
Neomycin also occurs in the form of tablets, in this form it can be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in about 3%, the highest concentration is achieved in the intestines. In this form, neomycin can inhibit the growth of intestinal bacteria for up to 72 hours. The residence time of neomycin in plasma is approximately 3 hours. Some of the medicine that is absorbed will be eliminated with the urine, while the rest will be eliminated with the faeces in its unchanged form. Neomycin is available at the pharmacy, but it is available on prescription, it can be in the form of the already mentioned tablets, ointments, but there is also neomycin spray.
Neomycin is one of the active substances contained in medicines such as Tribiotic, Maxibiotic, Polibiotic.
Neomycin – contraindications
Neomycin is an antibiotic, so its intake or use should be under the constant supervision of a doctor. When taken in the form of tablets, neomycin may be toxic to the kidneys, and may also negatively affect the patient’s hearing. Therefore, the main contraindication to its use is kidney disease. Other contraindications are, of course, an allergy to the ingredients of the preparation. At the beginning of the treatment, you need to observe the body’s reaction to the drug taken, if any disturbing changes occur, see a doctor. Unfortunately, neomycin can very often cause increased hypersensitivity. It is important that the medicine is not used too long and too often. Neomycin can also lead to additional fungal or bacterial infections. The preparation cannot be used for more than 10 days.
Neomycin, when applied topically, should not be used on larger surfaces. Damaged tissues should be avoided as much as possible. It is an antibiotic, so with prolonged use, a post-antibiotic effect may appear, which in most cases disappears after the preparation is completely eliminated from the body. Neomycin should not be taken by pregnant women, the drug is prescribed only in extreme cases, when the attending physician decides that the benefits for the pregnant woman will be greater than the risk of harm to the fetus. Neomycin should also not be used by breastfeeding women, especially in the form of tablets. Elderly people who are treated with neomycin should be under special care and control.