Neomycin (Topical)

Neomycin is part of a group of medicines known as antibiotics. Neomycin topical preparations are used to help prevent skin infections. Your doctor may use this medicine for other issues as well.

You can get neomycin topical preparations without a prescription.

If your skin problem does not get better within 1 week, or if it gets worse, consult your health care professional.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks versus the benefits. Here are some important points to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other types of allergies you have, like to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. If you're using non-prescription products, make sure to read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have only been done with adult patients, and there is no specific information about using topical neomycin in children compared to other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Because of this, it may not be known if they work the same way in older people as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects in older people. There is no specific information about using topical neomycin in the elderly versus other age groups.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risks to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other cases, two different medicines can be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Talk with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may occur, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Itching, rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of skin irritation that were not present before using this medicine

Rare

• Any loss of hearing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Chemical Class: Aminoglycoside

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, do not use it to treat deep wounds, puncture wounds, serious burns, or raw areas without first checking with your health care professional.

Do not use this medicine in the eyes.

Before applying this medicine, wash the affected area with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.

For patients using the cream form of this medicine:

• Apply a generous amount of cream to the affected area, and rub in gently until the cream disappears.

For patients using the ointment form of this medicine:

• Apply a generous amount of ointment to the affected area, and rub in gently.

After this medicine is applied, the treated area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (cream or ointment): For minor bacterial skin infections: Adults and children—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin one to three times a day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.