Paromomycin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Malaysia prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Oral
Intestinal amoebiasis

Adult: In acute and chronic cases: 25-35 mg/kg daily given in 3 divided doses for 5-10 days.
Child: In acute and chronic cases: Same as adult dose.

Oral
Hepatic coma

Adult: As adjunctive therapy: 4 g daily given in divided doses (at regular intervals) for 5-6 days.

Administration

Paromomycin Should be taken with food.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity. Intestinal obstruction.

Special Precautions

Patient with impaired gut integrity, including ulcerative bowel lesions. Not effective for the treatment of extraintestinal amoebiasis. Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Significant: Bacterial or fungal superinfection (prolonged use), including Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea or pseudomembranous colitis; increased risk of renal toxicity if inadvertently absorbed (particularly in patients with ulcerative bowel lesions).
Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Eosinophilia.
Ear and labyrinth disorders: Vertigo, ototoxicity.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, heartburn.
Nervous system disorders: Headache.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Pruritus, rash.

Pregnancy Category (US FDA)

PO: C

Monitoring Parameters

Monitor for signs and symptoms of allergic reaction and bowel obstruction.

Action

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Paromomycin, an aminoglycoside, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with antiprotozoal properties that directly act on the amoeba. It also exhibits antibacterial activity by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, thereby inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; absorption may be increased with impaired gastrointestinal motility or with intestinal lesions or ulcerations.
Excretion: Mainly via faeces (approx 100% as unchanged drug); urine (approx 0.1%).

Chemical Structure

Storage

Store between 20-25°C. Protect from moisture.

MIMS Class

Aminoglycosides / Antiamoebics

ATC Classification

A07AA06 - paromomycin ; Belongs to the class of antibiotics. Used in the treatment of intestinal infections.

References

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Paromomycin Sulfate. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 11/04/2025.

Humatin Capsule (Waylis Therapeutics LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 11/04/2025.

Paromomycin. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed 11/04/2025.

Paromomycin. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 11/04/2025.

Paromomycin. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 11/04/2025.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Paromomycin from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com