Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
3
Mechanism of action
Bactericidal antibiotic that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibiting protein synthesis. Poorly absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration.
At a glance
Class
Aminoglycoside Antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light
Dosing
🐕
Dog
Systemic absorption minimal with oral route
Dose
20 mg/kg
Route
PO, Topical
Frequency
q12h
🐈
Cat
Use with caution; nephrotoxicity possible if absorbed systemically
Dose
20 mg/kg
Route
PO, Topical
Frequency
q12h
Formulations
💊
Other — 3
Strength
—
Strength
—
Strength
—
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light
Safety
Monitoring parameters
Renal function (BUN, creatinine)Hearing if prolonged useGI function
Interactions
Major — 1
Furosemide
major
Furosemide increases aminoglycoside nephro- and ototoxicity by concentrating drug in renal tubules and inner ear.
Management: Avoid concurrent systemic use. Oral neomycin (for hepatic encephalopathy) has minimal systemic absorption and lower risk.
Moderate — 2
Digoxin
moderate
Oral neomycin reduces digoxin absorption by 20-30% by disrupting intestinal flora that partially metabolizes digoxin and by direct binding.
Management: Monitor digoxin levels during neomycin courses. May need temporary digoxin dose increase.
Lactulose
moderate
Both used for hepatic encephalopathy (lactulose: acidifies colon trapping NH3; neomycin: kills ammonia-producing bacteria). Neomycin may also kill bacteria that ferment lactulose to lactic acid, potentially reducing lactulose efficacy.
Management: Combination is clinically used but evidence of antagonism exists. Monitor ammonia levels and clinical response. Some clinicians avoid combining.
Brands
Other markets
Biosol
Neomix
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Neomycin?
Neomycin is a aminoglycoside antibiotic used in pets. Bactericidal antibiotic that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibiting protein synthesis. Poorly absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration.
›What is Neomycin used for in pets?
Neomycin is used in veterinary medicine for: Systemic absorption minimal with oral route; Use with caution; nephrotoxicity possible if absorbed systemically.
›What is the Neomycin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Neomycin is typically dosed as follows — Systemic absorption minimal with oral route: 20 mg/kg PO/Topical q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Neomycin dose for cats?
For cats, Neomycin is typically dosed as follows — Use with caution; nephrotoxicity possible if absorbed systemically: 20 mg/kg PO/Topical q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Neomycin need a prescription?
Yes. Neomycin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 1
Each gram of ointment contains Neomycin Sulphate IP 5 mg (3000 IU) + Bacitracin
M/s. Crescent Lab · Approved 07.08.2014
Broad spectrum antibiotic skin ointment used for dressing of wounds, yoke gall, ulcers, cuts, abrasions, Foot rot, Udder
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
Textbooks & handbooks
Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →
Related medicines
Other medicines in the same class (Aminoglycoside Antibiotic).