Drug interactions
Neomycin + Polymyxin b
Severity: Major
Neomycin and Polymyxin b: major 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
Both drugs are nephrotoxic and can cause neuromuscular blockade, and polymyxin B can be neurotoxic. Together they increase the risk of kidney injury and respiratory muscle weakness, especially if neomycin is absorbed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Neomycin and Polymyxin b can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Neomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Polymyxin b belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity and neuromuscular blockade.
What to do
Avoid combined systemic use. If unavoidable, monitor renal function and neuromuscular status closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Polymyxin b
- Cidofovir + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Acyclovir + Polymyxin b Major
- Adefovir + Polymyxin b Major
- Amikacin + Polymyxin b Major
- Amphotericin b + Polymyxin b Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Neomycin with Polymyxin b?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Neomycin and Polymyxin b can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs are nephrotoxic and can cause neuromuscular blockade, and polymyxin B can be neurotoxic. Together they increase the risk of kidney injury and respiratory muscle weakness, especially if neomycin is absorbed.
How serious is the interaction between Neomycin and Polymyxin b?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combined systemic use. If unavoidable, monitor renal function and neuromuscular status closely.
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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