Neomycin sulfate tablets, USP, for oral administration, contain neomycin which is an antibiotic obtained from the metabolic products of the actinomycete Streptomyces fradiae . Structurally, neomycin sulfate may be represented as follows: C 23 H 46 N 6 O 13 ·2½ H 2 SO 4 MW 614.67 Chemically, it is 0 -2,6-diamino-2,6-dideoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)- 0 -β-D-ribofuranosyl-(1→5)- 0 -[2,6-diamino-2,6-dideoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-2-deoxy-D-streptamine. Neomycin B is identical except that the a-D-glucopyranosyl residue in the neobiosamine moiety is β-L-idopyranosyl. Each tablet contains 500 mg neomycin sulfate (equivalent to 350 mg neomycin base). Inactive ingredients: calcium stearate, povidone. chemical-structure

Can you take neomycin with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run neomycin against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is neomycin sold under?

We track 2 neomycin-containing products in the U.S.: Neomycin Sulfate and Mycifradin. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does neomycin come in?

Across the brands we track, neomycin is currently marketed as topical, tablet and solution, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic neomycin?

Yes. Our catalog lists 2 generic neomycin products alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Has neomycin been recalled?

The FDA's Enforcement database lists at least 5 recall records whose product description mentions neomycin. The most recent: Lucky Super Soft (Jun 2, 2026). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.

Neomycin: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Neomycin is a medicine sold in the U.S. under 2 brand and generic names, for escherichia coli infections, hepatic encephalopathy and bacterial skin diseases. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Treats: Escherichia Coli Infections, Hepatic Encephalopathy and Bacterial Skin Diseases
Available as: Topical · Tablet · Solution
Sold as: 2 products — Neomycin Sulfate and Mycifradin
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $26 for a 30-count supply
Boxed warning: Boxed warning

How neomycin is dosed

From the FDA label for Neomycin Sulfate (application ANDA060304). Other neomycin products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

To minimize the risk of toxicity, use the lowest possible dose and the shortest possible treatment period to control the condition. Treatment for periods longer than two weeks is not recommended. Hepatic Coma For use as an adjunct in the management of hepatic coma, the recommended dose is 4 to 12 grams per day given in the following regimen: Withdraw protein from diet. Avoid use of diuretic agents. Give supportive therapy, including blood products, as indicated. Give neomycin sulfate tablets in doses of 4 to 12 grams of neomycin sulfate per day (eight to 24 tablets) in divided doses. Treatment should be continued over a period of five to six days, during which time protein should be returned incrementally to the diet. If less potentially toxic drugs cannot be used for chronic hepatic insufficiency, neomycin in doses of up to four grams daily (eight tablets per day) may be necessary. The risk for the development of neomycin-induced toxicity progressively increases when treatment must be extended to preserve the life of a patient with hepatic encephalopathy who has failed to fully respond. Frequent periodic monitoring of these patients to ascertain the presence of drug toxicity is mandatory (see PRECAUTIONS ). Also, neomycin serum concentrations should be monitored to avoid potentially toxic levels. The benefits to the patient should be weighed against the risks of…

Neomycin side effects

The most common adverse reactions to oral neomycin sulfate are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The “Malabsorption Syndrome” characterized by increased fecal fat, decreased serum carotene and fall in xylose absorption has been reported with prolonged therapy. Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity and neuromuscular blockage have been reported (see boxed WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections).

Who shouldn’t take neomycin

Neomycin sulfate oral preparations are contraindicated in the presence of intestinal obstruction and in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity or serious toxic reaction to other aminoglycosides may have a cross-sensitivity to neomycin. Neomycin sulfate oral preparations are contraindicated in patients with inflammatory or ulcerative gastrointestinal disease because of the potential for enhanced gastrointestinal absorption of neomycin.

Every neomycin product we track (2)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Neomycin products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Neomycin Sulfate Boxed warning	32/100	Prescription	Topical	Generic	$26	View →
2

Combination products containing neomycin

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

Neomycin recalls

From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.

Frequently asked questions

What is neomycin?: Neomycin sulfate tablets, USP, for oral administration, contain neomycin which is an antibiotic obtained from the metabolic products of the actinomycete Streptomyces fradiae . Structurally, neomycin sulfate may be represented as follows: C 23 H 46 N 6 O 13 ·2½ H 2 SO 4 MW 614.67 Chemically, it is 0 -2,6-diamino-2,6-dideoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)- 0 -β-D-ribofuranosyl-(1→5)- 0 -[2,6-diamino-2,6-dideoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-2-deoxy-D-streptamine. Neomycin B is identical except that the a-D-glucopyranosyl residue in the neobiosamine moiety is β-L-idopyranosyl. Each tablet contains 500 mg neomycin sulfate (equivalent to 350 mg neomycin base). Inactive ingredients: calcium stearate, povidone. chemical-structure
Can you take neomycin with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run neomycin against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is neomycin sold under?: We track 2 neomycin-containing products in the U.S.: Neomycin Sulfate and Mycifradin. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does neomycin come in?: Across the brands we track, neomycin is currently marketed as topical, tablet and solution, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
Is there a generic neomycin?: Yes. Our catalog lists 2 generic neomycin products alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.
Has neomycin been recalled?

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.