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paromomycin - oral, Humatin

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GENERIC NAME: PAROMOMYCIN - ORAL (PAIR-oh-mow-MY-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Humatin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat a certain parasite infection of the intestines (amebiasis). This medication is known as an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of parasites in the intestines. This medication is poorly absorbed into the blood so it will not work for infections outside of the intestines.Paromomycin may also be used along with a special diet to treat a certain serious brain problem (hepatic encephalopathy). This condition occurs in people with liver disease and is caused by too much of a certain natural substance (ammonia) in the body. Normally the liver gets rid of the ammonia. Paromomycin helps to treat hepatic encephalopathy by stopping the growth of certain bacteria in your intestines that make ammonia.This antibiotic treats only parasitic and bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to treat other intestinal infections (such as tapeworm infections, giardiasis).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with meals, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and heartburn may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: oily stools.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: ringing/roaring sounds in the ears, hearing loss, change in the amount of urine, dizziness, numb/tingling skin, headache, seizures, muscle weakness.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.