Products
Neomycin is found in several topical medications, including eye drops, eye ointments, ear drops, creams, and ointments. These are usually combination preparations. Neomycin is often combined with bacitracin, as the latter is only effective against gram-positive bacteria. Neomycin was discovered in the 1940s in Selman Waksman’s group at Rutgers University, which identified numerous antibiotics in addition to streptomycin (Waksman, Lechevalier, 1949).
Structure and properties
Neomycin is present in drugs as neomycin sulfate (C23H46N6O13 – x H2SO4, Mr = 615 g/mol). This is a mixture of sulfates of various substances formed during the growth of certain strains of. The major component is neomycin B. Neomycin sulfate exists as a white to yellowish white, odorless, hygroscopic powder that is very soluble in water.
Effects
Neomycin (ATC D06AX04) has bactericidal properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Effects are based on inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis and an increase in cell membrane permeability. Neomycin is poorly absorbed when administered orally.
Indications
For local prevention and treatment of bacterial infectious diseases, for example, on the eye, skin, and external auditory canal.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Use depends on the dosage form.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity, including to other aminoglycosides.
- Newborn
- The drugs should not be administered to open wounds, in an open ear canal (ototoxicity) and not over large areas.
The full precautions can be found in the drug information leaflet.
Interactions
Neomycin should not be combined with systemic aminoglycosides. Another interaction has been described with neuromuscular blockers.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local and allergic reactions (contact sensitization). Neomycin has pronounced ototoxic and nephrotoxic properties when used systemically, thus damaging hearing and kidneys.
