Neomycin (Topical)
   
Neomycin (Topical)
US Brand Names
• Myciguent
Canadian Brand Names
• Myciguent
Description
Neomycin (nee-oh-MYE-sin) belongs to the family of medicines called antibiotics. Neomycin topical preparations are used to help prevent infections of the skin. This medicine may be used for other problems as determined by your doctor.
Neomycin topical preparations are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of topical neomycin for your medical problem.
Topical neomycin is available in the following dosage forms:
Topical
• Cream (U.S.)
• Ointment (U.S.)
Special Considerations
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For topical neomycin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or to any related antibiotic, such as amikacin (e.g., Amikin), gentamicin (e.g., Garamycin), kanamycin (e.g., Kantrex), neomycin by mouth or by injection (e.g., Mycifradin), netilmicin (e.g., Netromycin), streptomycin, or tobramycin (e.g., Nebcin). Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy
Neomycin topical preparations have not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.
Breast-feeding
Neomycin topical preparations have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children
Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of topical neomycin in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of topical neomycin in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.
Administration
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 topical neomycin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average dose of topical neomycin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• For topical dosage forms (cream or ointment):
o For minor bacterial skin infections:
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
To store this medicine:
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions
If your skin problem does not improve within 1 week, or if it becomes worse, check with your health care professional.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Itching, rash, redness, swelling, or other sign of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine.
Rare
Any loss of hearing.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
August 04, 2000 
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