Neomycin Topical

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.

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.

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

<ul>
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irritation</li>
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burning</li>
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redness</li>
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rash</li>
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itching</li>
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hearing difficulty</li>
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decreased urination</li></ul>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 <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

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.