Neomycin Sulfate Coupons & Prices

Looking for a neomycin sulfate coupon? Neomycin sulfate is a generic aminoglycoside antibiotic used as an oral bowel-prep and hepatic coma adjunct, and it also appears in combination topical antibiotic ointments — but cash prices for the same tablets can still vary a surprising amount from one pharmacy to the next, so it's worth checking before you fill. Rx.com compares prices across more than 60,000 U.S. pharmacies so you can see today's price at pharmacies near you before you decide where to buy.

What is neomycin sulfate and how does it work?

Neomycin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Oral neomycin sulfate tablets are used as adjunctive therapy to suppress normal intestinal bacterial flora — for example, as part of preoperative bowel preparation (typically combined with erythromycin base) — and as an adjunct in treating hepatic coma (portal-systemic encephalopathy), where reducing ammonia-forming gut bacteria helps lower blood ammonia levels. Neomycin is poorly absorbed from the gut, which is why the oral form works locally in the intestine.

Neomycin sulfate is also formulated as a topical cream or ointment, usually combined with polymyxin B and bacitracin (the combination sold under names like Neosporin), to help prevent or treat minor skin infections. The same three-antibiotic combination is also formulated as an ophthalmic ointment (sold under names like Neo-Polycin) for treating bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis — that eye product is a separate, prescription-only formulation and is not used on skin cuts or scrapes. Topical neomycin is not effective against fungal or viral infections.

Neomycin sulfate cost and how to compare pharmacy prices

Generic neomycin sulfate oral tablets are available, but that doesn't mean every pharmacy charges the same amount. Cash prices for generics can differ significantly by pharmacy, by location, and by which pharmacy benefit network a given store participates in — so two pharmacies a few miles apart can quote very different totals for the identical prescription.

Rather than guessing or assuming your regular pharmacy has the best price, enter your ZIP code above to see today's price at pharmacies near you. Comparing before you fill is the simplest way to make sure you're not overpaying, and it costs nothing to check.

Neomycin sulfate alternatives and related drugs

For preoperative bowel preparation, oral neomycin sulfate is typically paired with erythromycin base rather than used alone. For hepatic coma and portal-systemic encephalopathy, other options your provider may consider include rifaximin or lactulose, which work through different mechanisms to lower blood ammonia.

Gentamicin is another aminoglycoside antibiotic, though it's used differently (usually injectable, for systemic infections) rather than as an oral gut-flora suppressant. In topical combination antibiotic products, neomycin is often paired with bacitracin and polymyxin B. Only your prescriber can determine which option is appropriate for your situation.

Neomycin sulfate safety information

Neomycin sulfate carries an FDA boxed warning: even with oral dosing, systemic absorption can occur and toxic reactions may result, including neurotoxicity, ototoxicity (hearing/balance damage that can be permanent, bilateral, and may progress or even appear after the drug is stopped), and nephrotoxicity (kidney damage). Risk is highest in people with kidney impairment, older adults, and those who are dehydrated. Neomycin also carries a warning for neuromuscular blockade and respiratory paralysis, particularly when used with anesthetics or muscle relaxants.

Topical neomycin can also be absorbed through broken skin and cause these same kidney and hearing risks; it should be kept away from the eyes, mouth, and large areas of denuded skin, and should not be used in the ear canal if the eardrum is perforated. Common oral side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Oral neomycin sulfate is contraindicated in intestinal obstruction and in anyone with known hypersensitivity to neomycin. This is general information, not medical advice — talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether neomycin sulfate is right for you.