Neomycin

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that disrupts bacterial protein synthesis. It is used mainly in topical preparations because systemic use can damage the kidneys and hearing.

Aminoglycoside: A class of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis and can cause kidney and inner-ear toxicity. Neomycin belongs to this antibiotic class and shares its characteristic ribosomal action.
Topical antibiotic: An antibiotic applied to the skin or another body surface rather than taken systemically. Topical delivery is the main setting for neomycin use.
Gentamicin: An aminoglycoside antibiotic used for serious infections, often by injection or infusion. Unlike neomycin's predominantly topical role, gentamicin is commonly used systemically under clinical monitoring.
Nephrotoxicity: Kidney injury caused by a drug or other toxic exposure. Systemic neomycin exposure can damage kidney tubules, limiting its use beyond topical treatment.
30S ribosomal subunit: The smaller subunit of bacterial ribosomes, which reads messenger RNA during protein synthesis. Neomycin binds this subunit and disrupts accurate translation.
Neomycin–polymyxin B–bacitracin: A topical combination of three antibiotics used in some skin preparations. This familiar combination pairs neomycin with antibiotics that attack different bacterial targets.
Streptomycin: An aminoglycoside antibiotic historically used to treat tuberculosis and some other infections. Its distinctive clinical history contrasts with neomycin's common use in topical products.
Aminoglycoside ototoxicity: Inner-ear injury caused by aminoglycoside antibiotics, sometimes resulting in permanent hearing or balance impairment. Neomycin is especially hazardous to hearing when absorbed or applied where it can reach the inner ear.
Protein synthesis inhibitor: A substance that interferes with the cellular process of assembling proteins from amino acids. Neomycin's antibacterial effect comes from blocking this process in bacteria.
Neomycin–polymyxin B–dexamethasone: A medication combining two antibiotics with the corticosteroid dexamethasone, used in certain eye or ear preparations. Neomycin appears in this combination when antimicrobial treatment is paired with inflammation control.

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