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.
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What are the side effects of Humatin (paromomycin)?
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:
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 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.
Frequently asked questions about 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 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 forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250mg | 42 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 between Humatin (paromomycin) and other drugs
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?
Humatin (paromomycin) contraindications
Blockage in the intestine
What are alternatives to Humatin (paromomycin)?
Amoeba infection in the intestine (intestinal amebiasis)
Add-on treatment for coma due to liver problems (hepatic coma)
Trichomoniasis ("trich")
Giardiasis (parasitic gut infection)
Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
Serious bacterial infections, such as:
Humatin (paromomycin) images
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References
Best studies we foundChawla, 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.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Amebiasis.
Waylis Therapeutics LLC. (2023). Humatin- paromomycin sulfate capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.
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