Humatin
Humatin (paromomycin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that treats adults and children with parasitic infections in the gut. It's also approved to help with coma due to liver problems in adults. This antibiotic works by stopping certain parasites and bacteria from making proteins for their survival. Humatin (paromomycin) is available as a brand-name capsule that's taken by mouth. Potential side effects include nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
What is Humatin (paromomycin)?
What is Humatin (paromomycin) used for?
- Amoeba infection in the intestine (intestinal amebiasis)
- Add-on treatment for coma due to liver problems (hepatic coma)
How Humatin (paromomycin) works
Humatin (paromomycin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It works by stopping amoeba (a type of parasite) and bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and survive.
In people with complications from liver problems, bacteria in the gut make harmful toxins that the liver can't get rid of as well as it should. This causes the toxins to build up in the body, leading to brain problems. Humatin (paromomycin) helps lessen the number of bacteria in the gut that make these toxins.
Drug facts
Side effects of Humatin (paromomycin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Side effects aren't common. Please see Other Side Effects.
Less Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
The following Humatin (paromomycin) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Humatin (paromomycin)
Pros
- Less likely to cause side effects besides in the gut because the medication doesn't absorb into the body well
- Typically taken for a short period of time
Cons
- Causes stomach upset, especially with high doses
- Doesn't work for parasitic infections outside the gut
- Add-on treatment only for liver problems
Pharmacist tips for Humatin (paromomycin)
- For treating amoeba infection in the intestines, take Humatin (paromomycin) three times a day with meals.
- Be sure to take Humatin (paromomycin) for the full amount of time your prescriber told you to, even if you start to feel better. Stopping Humatin (paromomycin) too soon can cause your infection to come back and be harder to treat.
- Humatin (paromomycin) is only meant to treat bacterial and parasitic infections. It doesn't treat viral or fungal infections, and it won't work to treat the common cold.
- It's possible to have nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea while you're taking Humatin (paromomycin). These side effects are more likely to happen if you take more than 3 grams of the medication per day. Tell your prescriber if these side effects become bothersome.
- If you're having diarrhea, make sure to stay well-hydrated with fluids from a clean source. This prevents dehydration and the development of other parasitic infections in the gut.
Common questions about Humatin (paromomycin)
Yes, Humatin (paromomycin) is available in the United States with a prescription from a healthcare professional (HCP). It comes as brand-name capsules.
Humatin (paromomycin) isn't known to have interactions with alcohol. But drinking alcohol while you're taking Humatin (paromomycin) can worsen side effects of the medication, such as nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea. And, if you're taking Humatin (paromomycin) for liver failure, stay clear of alcohol since it can make your condition worse. Speak with your care team about your drinking habits while you're taking Humatin (paromomycin).
No. Humatin (paromomycin) isn't sold over the counter (OTC). It's only available with a prescription from a healthcare professional (HCP).
In general, you can expect to see your symptoms improve within a few days of starting antibiotics like Humatin (paromomycin). Keep in mind that how long it takes for Humatin (paromomycin) to work can depend on why you're taking it and how bad your symptoms are. Follow up with your prescriber to know what to expect while you're taking this medication.
No, Humatin (paromomycin) isn't a sulfa drug. This means that it's probably safe to take if you have a sulfa allergy. In general, make sure to tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all of your medication allergies so they can check that Humatin (paromomycin) is safe for you.
There isn't enough information about taking Humatin (paromomycin) during pregnancy. Talk to your primary care provider or prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking Humatin (paromomycin) if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.
There haven't been enough studies done to know whether Humatin (paromomycin) is safe to take while you're nursing. According to experts, the medication isn't well absorbed into the bloodstream, so it isn't expected to cause side effects in breastfed babies. To be safe, ask your baby's pediatrician or primary care provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while you're taking Humatin (paromomycin).
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Risks and warnings for Humatin (paromomycin)
Humatin (paromomycin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk for new infection
Humatin (paromomycin) doesn't kill all bacteria and germs. This means that it's possible for some other bacteria and germs to survive, multiply, and cause a new infection even though you're taking Humatin (paromomycin). Talk to your healthcare team right away if you develop a new fever, get sicker while you're taking Humatin (paromomycin), or you find that you're not feeling better after you've finished your course of treatment.
Kidney injury in people with ulcers in the intestine
- Risk factors: Ulcers in the intestine
Humatin (paromomycin) doesn't typically absorb into the body as it goes through the intestines. But when there are ulcers in the bowels (large intestines), some of the medication might get absorbed and lead to kidney injury. Before you start taking taking Humatin (paromomycin), make sure to tell your prescriber if you have any conditions that cause ulcers in your intestines.
Humatin (paromomycin) dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250mg | 42 capsules | $5,152.39 | $122.68 |
Typical dosage for Humatin (paromomycin)
- Intestinal amebiasis (for adults and children): The dose is based on body weight (in kilograms or kg). The typical dose is 25 mg/kg to 35 mg/kg daily. It's split up into 3 doses throughout the day and taken by mouth with meals. The typical length of treatment is 5 to 10 days.
- Add-on treatment for hepatic coma (for adults only): The typical dose is 4 grams by mouth daily, split up into multiple doses taken throughout the day. The typical length of treatment is 5 to 6 days.
Interactions between Humatin (paromomycin) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Colistimethate Sodium
- Foscarnet
How much does Humatin (paromomycin) cost?
$5,152.39
Humatin (paromomycin) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Humatin (paromomycin) will not be safe for you to take.
- Blockage in the intestine
