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Overview: Paromomycin is used to treat a certain parasitic infection of the intestines and decreased brain function due to liver problems. It kills certain bacteria and parasites by blocking their ability to create proteins that they need to grow and reproduce. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Call your health care provider if your condition does not improve or gets worse while taking paromomycin.

Uses

What is paromomycin used for?

Paromomycin is commonly used to treat intestinal amebiasis, which is an infection of the intestines caused by a parasite.

Paromomycin is also used to treat hepatic coma, which is when a person has decreased brain function and prolonged unconsciousness due to liver problems.

Paromomycin may not be appropriate for the infection listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria and parasites in some locations may have developed resistance to paromomycin, which will make it not work as well.

Paromomycin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does paromomycin work (mechanism of action)?

Paromomycin kills certain types of bacteria and parasites by blocking their ability to create proteins that they need to grow and reproduce. 

In hepatic coma, paromomycin kills bacteria that make ammonia, which leads to a decrease in ammonia levels and can help improve brain function in people with this condition.

How is paromomycin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Humatin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 mg oral capsules

How should I store paromomycin?

Paromomycin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine container tightly closed when you are not using it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of paromomycin?

The most common side effects of paromomycin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain and cramps
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of paromomycin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of paromomycin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of paromomycin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Paromomycin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking paromomycin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Another Infection. Taking paromomycin may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your health care provider if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use paromomycin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take paromomycin.

  • Paromomycin
  • Humatin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific paromomycin products they stock.

Intestinal Blockage. Do not take paromomycin if you have a blockage in your intestines. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of intestinal blockage before you start taking paromomycin.

What should I know about paromomycin before using it?

Do not take paromomycin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share paromomycin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep paromomycin out of the reach of children.

Take paromomycin with food.

What should I tell my health care provider before using paromomycin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if paromomycin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Intestinal Ulcers. People with intestinal ulcers may absorb too much paromomycin, which can cause serious side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of ulcers in your intestines like a duodenal ulcer before you begin taking paromomycin.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how paromomycin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if paromomycin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does paromomycin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between paromomycin and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between paromomycin and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does paromomycin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between paromomycin and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much paromomycin?

If you or someone else has used too much paromomycin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of paromomycin?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

If you are taking this medicine for intestinal amebiasis, it is important to complete your prescribed course of paromomycin, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to paromomycin or other similar medicines.