Neomycin
Neomycin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic used in topical oral preparations to treat bacterial infections of the mouth and gums, often in combination with other agents.
Neomycin is a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial mouth and gum infections.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A01AB08
- RxNorm
- 7308
- Generic
- Neomycin
- Class
- atc-a01
- Brands
- Tresaderm, Tri Biozene, Neo-Polycin HC, Neo-Polycin, Maxitrol, Neovet, Neo-Synalar, Neo-Predef, Cuadriderma, Cortisporin-TC, Cortisporin, Poly-Dex, Lanabiotic, Spectrocin Plus, Oticin HC
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 3
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical, ophthalmic, otic, oral
- Forms
- cream, ointment, ophthalmic solution, otic solution, oral tablet, oral solution
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia
- Monitoring
- renal function, hearing
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; topical formulations preferred over oral
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed; prefer topical over systemic administration
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid prolonged use
short-term topical use generally considered safe; avoid systemic use near term
fetal well-being monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed for topical
topical application unlikely to affect breastfed infant; avoid applying to breast area
monitor infant for diarrhea or yeast infection
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and childrenuse reduced concentration and duration
use with caution in pediatric patients; avoid prolonged use on broken skin
monitor for skin irritation and systemic absorption
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatemonitor renal function
use with caution in patients with renal impairment; minimize extensive topical use on open wounds
monitor renal function if used extensively
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
anyno adjustment needed
no specific dosage adjustment required for topical use
none required
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Drug class information for Neomycin
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses for Neomycin
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of action information
Treatment of bacterial infections of the oral mucosa, gingivitis, and as part of combination products for mouth ulcers and oral inflammatory conditions.
Neomycin binds to bacterial ribosomes (30S subunit), disrupting protein synthesis and leading to bacterial cell death. It is effective against many gram-negative bacteria and some gram-positive organisms.
For topical/oral use only; avoid swallowing large amounts. Systemic absorption is minimal when used as directed. May cause local irritation or allergic reactions. Not typically used for systemic infections due to ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity concerns with other routes of administration.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy