Drug interactions
Balsalazide + Neomycin
Severity: Minor
Balsalazide and Neomycin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Balsalazide is a prodrug cleaved by colonic bacterial azoreductases to release mesalamine. Oral neomycin suppresses colonic flora, which could reduce activation and the local anti-inflammatory effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Balsalazide and Neomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Balsalazide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Neomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Reduced bacterial azoreductase activity decreases conversion of balsalazide to active mesalamine.
What to do
Monitor for reduced control of ulcerative colitis symptoms if prolonged oral neomycin is used. Consider an alternative mesalamine formulation if response diminishes.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Neomycin
- Amikacin + Neomycin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Neomycin Major
- Capreomycin + Neomycin Major
- Cidofovir + Neomycin Major
- Colistin + Neomycin Major
- Ethacrynic acid + Neomycin Major
Other interactions of Balsalazide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Balsalazide with Neomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Balsalazide and Neomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Balsalazide is a prodrug cleaved by colonic bacterial azoreductases to release mesalamine. Oral neomycin suppresses colonic flora, which could reduce activation and the local anti-inflammatory effect.
How serious is the interaction between Balsalazide and Neomycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for reduced control of ulcerative colitis symptoms if prolonged oral neomycin is used. Consider an alternative mesalamine formulation if response diminishes.
What other medicines interact with Neomycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Neomycin with, for example, Amikacin, Amphotericin b deoxycholate, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Neomycin page.
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