Malabsorptive Effects of Neomycin in Commonly Used Doses

The occurrence of malabsorption during the oral use of neomycin in large doses has been reported. A study of the effect of the commonly used daily doses of 4 to 6 Gm. has been carried out. Among 8 subjects receiving neomycin with carotene supplements, serum carotene fell sharply in 6 and resumed its premedication rise on withdrawal of neomycin. D-xylose absorption was measured in 4 of the subjects, and fat balance determination was carried out in one. Three of the 4 subjects showed a marked fall in d-xylose absorption, and fecal fat excretion doubled during the neomycin period. The results indicate that reversible intestinal malabsorption may occur with commonly used doses of neomycin.