Humatin (paromomycin) is an antibiotic drug used to treat amoebic infections of the intestine. It can also be used to treat a condition called hepatic coma. Humatin comes as a 250mg capsule that should be stored at room temperature.
The active ingredient of Humatin is paromomycin. A full list of inactive ingredients can be found in the package insert.
Frequently Asked Questions about Humatin (Paromomycin)
What is Humatin (Paromomycin)?
Humatin (Paromomycin) is a prescription medication used to treat intestinal amebiasis and hepatic coma. Amebiasis is a disease caused by a parasite that infects the intestines. Hepatic coma is a life-threatening condition that can occur in people with severe liver disease.
What is Humatin used for?
Humatin is used to:
- Treat acute and chronic intestinal amebiasis, including asymptomatic carriers
- Manage hepatic coma as an adjunctive therapy
How does Humatin work?
Humatin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that works by killing bacteria and parasites. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making proteins that they need to survive. It kills parasites by disrupting their cell membranes.
What is the dosage for Humatin?
The dosage of Humatin varies depending on the condition being treated. For intestinal amebiasis, the recommended dosage for adults is 25-35 mg/kg/day divided into three doses. For hepatic coma, the recommended dosage for adults is 4 g/day divided into four doses.
How to take Humatin?
Humatin capsules should be taken with food or water. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules.
What are the side effects of Humatin?
The most common side effects of Humatin are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Other possible side effects include headache, dizziness, rash, and hearing loss.
Who should not take Humatin?
You should not take Humatin if you are allergic to paromomycin or any of the other ingredients in the medication. You should also not take Humatin if you have severe kidney disease or severe liver disease.
Can I take Humatin while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Humatin while pregnant or breastfeeding. Paromomycin may pass into breast milk, but it is not known if it is harmful to a nursing infant.
What are the drug interactions with Humatin?
Humatin may interact with other medications you are taking, such as digoxin, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and diuretics. Talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking before starting Humatin.
How long can I take Humatin?
The length of time you need to take Humatin depends on the condition being treated. For intestinal amebiasis, the usual course of treatment is 5-10 days. For hepatic coma, the usual course of treatment is 5-6 days.