ParomomycinDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Cattle, Dogs, Goats and Sheep.

Aminoglycoside antibiotic, unusual among the class for activity against intestinal protozoal parasites as well as bacteria. Paromomycin may be useful as a treatment for cryptosporidiosis in dogs and cats. Although some clinicians consider paromomycin to be the second-line treatment for dogs and should be avoided in cats, others recommended it as a first choice. In dogs, paromomycin is also used topically to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis. Subcutaneously administered paromomycin (no dosage forms available in the Unite

Like other aminoglycoside antibiotics, paromomycin irreversibly binds bacterial 30S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. It is considered a bactericidal, concentration-dependent antibiotic.

Paromomycin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or with ileus or intestinal obstruction. Patients should be well-hydrated prior to treatment to minimize risk for nephrotoxicity. The foreign label for paromomycin solution cautions against using it in animals with impaired renal or hepatic function.

GI effects (eg, nausea, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea) are the most likely adverse effects to be noted with therapy. Because paromomycin can affect the gut flora, nonsusceptible bacterial or fungal overgrowths are a possibility. In patients with significant gut ulceration or degradation of GI mucosal barriers, paromomycin may be absorbed systemically with resultant nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, or pancreatitis.

■ Serial fecal examinations ■ GI adverse effects ■ If used in cats, monitor renal function.