what is the rationale for administering neomycin to a patient with portal-systemic encephalopathy

by Tristian McCullough 4 min read

Neomycin - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

5 hours ago It has also been shown that cirrhotic patients have significantly altered stool microbiome, which can also impact cognition 4. Lowering systemic ammonia and reduction of inflammation and endotoxemia can be achieved through antimicrobials 5,6,7. Based on this gut-specific action, most antibiotics used have been gut nonabsorbable in nature. >> Go To The Portal


Uses for Neomycin (Systemic) Hepatic Encephalopathy Management of hepatic encephalopathy. Used to inhibit ammonia-forming bacteria in the GI tract in patients with hepatic (portal-systemic) encephalopathy as an adjunct to protein restriction and supportive therapy.

Hepatic Coma (portal-systemic encephalopathy)
Neomycin sulfate
Neomycin sulfate
Neomycin is an antibiotic that is used to prevent bacterial infection in the intestines. Neomycin is also used to reduce the symptoms of hepatic coma.
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has been shown to be effective adjunctive therapy in hepatic coma by reduction of the ammoniaforming bacteria in the intestinal tract. The subsequent reduction in blood ammonia has resulted in neurologic improvement.

Full Answer

What is portal systemic encephalopathy?

Portal systemic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric disorder that occurs secondary to chronic liver disease. It is a chronic and disabling disorder that must be treated concurrently with liver disease. In chronic liver disease, the regenerative capacity of the liver to produce new cells is eventually hampered and scar tissue develops.

Does neomycin cause neuromuscular blockade?

Neuromuscular blockage and respiratory paralysis reported with oral neomycin. Concomitant use of an aminoglycoside with anesthesia and muscle-relaxing drugs may cause neuromuscular blockade with respiratory paralysis.

What is included in clinical observation for neomycin toxicity?

Patients should be under close clinical observation because of potential toxicities. Oral neomycin is absorbed systemically; toxic reactions may occur. Closely monitor renal and eighth-cranial nerve function. Perform serial, vestibular, and audiometric tests and tests of renal function, particularly in high-risk patients.

How much neomycin should I take before surgery for diverticulitis?

For 8 a.m. surgery: Give 1 g neomycin sulfate and 1 g erythromycin base at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 11 p.m. on the day preceding surgery. Alternatively, give 2 g neomycin sulfate and 2 g metronidazole at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the day preceding surgery.

Why antibiotic is used in hepatic encephalopathy?

In general, the oral antibiotics neomycin, paromomycin, vancomycin, and metronidazole have been effectively used, with or without lactulose, to reduce ammonia-producing enteric bacteria in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.Mar 25, 2010

Is neomycin used for hepatic encephalopathy?

Although neomycin has been used as a standard treatment of hepatic encephalopathy for almost 40 years, there is no evidence that the drug is effective. The only randomised, placebo controlled study found no benefit of neomycin compared with standard treatment alone.

What is the role of antibiotics in the treatment of encephalopathy in cirrhosis?

Several oral antibiotics, including neomycin, metronidazole, and rifaximin, are effective in lowering blood ammonia levels and are also used in the management of hepatic encephalopathy (Alexander 1992; Zeneroli 2005).Jul 25, 2017

What is neomycin used for?

Neomycin, an antibiotic, is used to prevent or treat skin infections caused by bacteria. It is not effective against fungal or viral infections. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Why lactulose is preferred over neomycin in hepatic encephalopathy?

There is some evidence that neomycin can be given with lactulose to cause an additive effect in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. This effect is most prominent in patients who have not responded adequately to lactulose alone.

What is the mechanism of action of neomycin?

Mechanism of Action Neomycin is bactericidal in action. Similar to other aminoglycosides, it inhibits bacterial protein synthesis through irreversible binding to the 30 S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria.

What is the goal of drug therapy in hepatic encephalopathy and how is it achieved?

The goal of antimicrobial therapy is to alter the gut microbiota to create a more favorable microbiome that results in lower endogenous bacterial production of ammonia. Rifaximin is now the preferred antimicrobial agent for the treatment of overt hepatic encephalopathy.Feb 10, 2022

What class of drug is neomycin?

Neomycin belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria in the intestines. Neomycin may also be used along with a special diet to treat a certain serious brain problem (hepatic encephalopathy).

How does lactulose treat hepatic encephalopathy?

This drug is used by mouth or rectally to treat or prevent complications of liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy). It does not cure the problem, but may help to improve mental status. Lactulose is a colonic acidifier that works by decreasing the amount of ammonia in the blood. It is a man-made sugar solution.

What is wrong with neomycin?

High doses or long-term use of neomycin can cause serious kidney problems, or hearing loss that may not be reversible. The longer you take neomycin, the more likely you are to develop these serious side effects. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

How does chloramphenicol work?

Chloramphenicol is used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.Feb 1, 2022

What does neomycin do to bacteria?

Like other aminoglycosides, neomycin is thought to act by binding to bacterial ribosomes and inhibiting protein synthesis. Neomycin has activity against many aerobic gram negative and gram positive bacteria, including the major E. coli species resident in the colon as well as the enteropathogenic forms of E.Apr 12, 2019

Neomycin Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

Neomycin side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.. Neomycin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: numbness or tingly feeling under your skin;. hearing problems (even long after you stop taking neomycin);

Neomycin - Wikipedia

Neomycin Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments - Drugs.com

Neomycin and Mechanism of Action - Home Health Patient Education

SURGICAL ANTIMICROBIAL PROPHYLAXIS RECOMMENDATIONS

What is bilateral auditory ototoxicity?

Vestibular and permanent bilateral auditory ototoxicity occurs most frequently in those with past or present history of renal impairment, those receiving other ototoxic drugs, and those who receive high dosages or prolonged treatment.

Why is neomycin used?

To reduce development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of neomycin and other antibacterials, use only for treatment or prevention of infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

What tests are performed with neomycin?

Perform serial, vestibular, and audiometric tests and tests of renal function, particularly in high-risk patients. Advanced age and dehydration may increase risk of toxicity. Neuromuscular Blockade. Neuromuscular blockage and respiratory paralysis reported with oral neomycin.

What nerves are tested during neomycin?

Perform tests of the vestibulocochlearis nerve (eighth cranial nerve) function prior to and periodically during neomycin therapy.

When should renal function be assessed?

Renal function should be assessed prior to therapy and daily, or more frequently, during therapy. Nephrotoxicity occurs most frequently in those with past or present history of renal impairment, those receiving other nephrotoxic drugs, and those who receive high dosage or prolonged treatment.

What is the best treatment for colorectal surgery?

Preferred regimens for patients undergoing colorectal surgery are IV cefoxitin or IV cefotetan alone; IV cefazolin and IV metronidazole; oral erythromycin and oral neomycin; or oral metronidazole and oral neomycin.

How long does hepatic coma last?

Hepatic coma: 4–12 g daily given in divided doses (e.g., 4 doses daily) for 5–6 days recommended by the manufacturers and others. Chronic hepatic insufficiency when less toxic drugs cannot be used: Up to 4 g daily recommended by the manufacturers. Some clinicians recommend 3–6 g daily for 1–2 weeks for acute encephalopathy ...

Uses For Neomycin

  • Hepatic Encephalopathy
    Management of hepatic encephalopathy. Used to inhibit ammonia-forming bacteria in the GI tract in patients with hepatic (portal-systemic) encephalopathy as an adjunct to protein restriction and supportive therapy. Subsequent reduction in blood ammonia may result in neurologic improvem…
  • Perioperative Prophylaxis
    Adjunct to mechanical cleansing of the large intestines for preoperative prophylaxis in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Used in conjunction with oral erythromycin or oral metronidazole and with an appropriate diet and catharsis. Preferred regimens for patients undergoing colorect…
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Neomycin (Systemic) Dosage and Administration

  • Dosage
    Available as neomycin sulfate; dosage expressed in terms of the sulfate. To minimize risk of toxicity, use lowest possible dosage and shortest duration of therapy. Closely monitor patients for aminoglycoside toxicity, especially when used for adjunctive treatment of chronic hepatic insuffi…
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Cautions For Neomycin

  • Contraindications
    1. History of hypersensitivity or serious toxic reactions to neomycin or other aminoglycosides. 2. Intestinal obstruction. 3. Inflammatory or ulcerative GI disease; may enhance GI absorption of neomycin.
  • Common Adverse Effects
    Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps.
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Interactions For Neomycin

  • Neurotoxic, Ototoxic, or Nephrotoxic Drugs
    Concomitant or sequential use with other drugs that have neurotoxic, ototoxic, or nephrotoxic effects may result in additive toxicity and should be avoided, if possible. Because of the possibility of an increased risk of ototoxicity due to additive effects or altered serum and tissue aminoglyc…
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Actions and Spectrum

  1. Usually bactericidal.
  2. Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria by irreversibly binding to 30S ribosomal subunits.
  3. Following oral administration, rapidly suppresses growth of most intestinal bacteria; these are replaced by nonpathogenic yeasts and, occasionally, resistant strains of Enterobacter aeroge…
  1. Usually bactericidal.
  2. Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria by irreversibly binding to 30S ribosomal subunits.
  3. Following oral administration, rapidly suppresses growth of most intestinal bacteria; these are replaced by nonpathogenic yeasts and, occasionally, resistant strains of Enterobacter aerogenes. Supp...
  4. In vitro spectrum of activity includes many gram-negative aerobic bacteria and some aerobic gram-positive bacteria. Inactive against fungi, viruses, and most anaerobic bacteria.

Advice to Patients

  1. Advise patients that antibacterials (including neomycin) should only be used to treat bacterial infections and not be used to treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).
  2. Importance of completing full course of therapy, even if feeling better after a few days.
  3. Advise patients that skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease effectiveness and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be …
  1. Advise patients that antibacterials (including neomycin) should only be used to treat bacterial infections and not be used to treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).
  2. Importance of completing full course of therapy, even if feeling better after a few days.
  3. Advise patients that skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease effectiveness and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatab...
  4. Advise patients of the risk of toxic effects on the eighth nerve, including partial or total deafness. Inform patients that the possibility of acute toxicity is increased in premature infants and n...

Preparations

  • Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details. Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Centerfor information on shortages of one or more of these preparations. * available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonpropriet…
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Frequently Asked Questions