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Paromomycin

Pronounced

"PAIR-oh-mow-MY-sin"

Common brand names:

Humatin

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 Uses

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 for other intestinal infections (such as tapeworm infections, giardiasis).

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with meals as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times daily (every 8 hours).

The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.

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 result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

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Information expires December 2025.