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Humatin

paromomycin
Used for Amoebiasis
Used for Amoebiasis

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.

Last reviewed on June 16, 2024
basics-icon

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

Common BrandsHumatin
Drug ClassAminoglycoside antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the 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.

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea

Source: DailyMed

The following 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:

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach cramps

diarrhea

nausea

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Humatin (paromomycin)

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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

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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

Pharmacist tips for Humatin (paromomycin)

pharmacist
  • 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.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Humatin (paromomycin)

            Is Humatin (paromomycin) available in the US?
            Yes, Humatin (paromomycin) is available in the United States with a prescription from a healthcare professional (HCP). It comes as brand-name capsules.
            Can I drink alcohol while I'm taking Humatin (paromomycin)?
            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).
            Can I get Humatin (paromomycin) over the counter?
            No. Humatin (paromomycin) isn't sold over the counter (OTC). It's only available with a prescription from a healthcare professional (HCP).
            How long does Humatin (paromomycin) take to work?
            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.
            Is Humatin (paromomycin) a sulfa drug?
            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.
            Is Humatin (paromomycin) safe to take during pregnancy?
            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.
            Is Humatin (paromomycin) safe to take while I'm breastfeeding?
            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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            What are the 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-warning

            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.

            risk-warning

            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.

              dosage

              Humatin (paromomycin) dosage forms

              The average cost for 42 capsules of 250mg of Humatin (paromomycin) is $5035.63 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 8.18% off the average retail price of $5484.34.
              capsule
              Capsule
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              250mg42 capsules$5035.63$119.90

              Typical dosing 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

              Interactions between Humatin (paromomycin) and other drugs

              Humatin (paromomycin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Humatin (paromomycin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              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.

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              How much does Humatin (paromomycin) cost?

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              contraindications-icon

              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

              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Humatin (paromomycin)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Humatin (paromomycin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Humatin (paromomycin)
              Used for:
              • Amoeba infection in the intestine (intestinal amebiasis)

              • Add-on treatment for coma due to liver problems (hepatic coma)

              $5035.63 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              $24.08 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              $8.62 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              images

              Humatin (paromomycin) images

              Green And Yellow 175 175 - Paromomycin Sulfate 250mg Capsule
              This medicine is Green And Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "175 175".Green And Yellow 175 175 - Paromomycin Sulfate 250mg Capsule

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Chawla, B., et al. (2011). Paromomycin affects translation and vesicle-mediated trafficking as revealed by proteomics of paromomycin -susceptible -resistant Leishmania donovani. Public Library of Science One.

              Chen, Z., et al. (2021). The role of intestinal bacteria and gut-brain axis in hepatic encephalopathy. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.

              Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2023). Paromomycin. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

              View All References (2)

              MedlinePlus. (2022). Amebiasis.

              Waylis Therapeutics LLC. (2023). Humatin- paromomycin sulfate capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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