Paromomycin, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: paromomycin, oral; Humatin

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat certain infections of the intestinal tract and to manage hepatic coma. It may also be prescribed for parasite infections as determined by your health care provider.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to this medicine
• any intestinal blockage.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider for the length of time prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine, even if you feel better, unless your health care provider tells you to.

Do not take more of this medicine than directed. Taking too much of it may increase the risk of side effects.

Do not use this medicine for other infections unless your health care provider approves.

What should I watch out for?

If you have ringing in your ears or any hearing loss, contact your health care provider right away.

This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and know how the medicine affects you.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Ringing in your ears, hearing loss, dizziness.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• methotrexate
• vitamin A.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.