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NEOMYCIN vs. METRODINAZOLE for SIBO: Worried about toxicity
I have read information explaining that the otoxicity (hearing damage, tinnitus, etc.) associated with this drug was found in the case of IV administration at high levels. I have read that oral Neomycin is not well absorbed (95% stays in the gut) and people as esteemed as Dr. Mark Pimentel (one of the top experts on SIBO) have attested to this.
And yet, as someone already suffering from tinnitus, I have some reservation. Pimentel and many others routinely offer and prescribe Metrodinazole in place of the Neomycin, so that is something I am considering. However, Metrodinazole is systemic (potentially more side effects outside the gut), whereas Neomycin is not well absorbed outside the gut.
Anyone want to help me make this decision?
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Maybe do a trial of each and see how you do? Have you tried Xifaxan?
I have previously done Rifaximin and Neomycin. No obvious issues. I had some tinnitus prior to taking Neomycin and since taking it tinnitus and hearing loss in right ear have gotten worse. But there is no way to make a connection to the Neomycin and, as I say, the evidence suggest oral administration (at least at amounts I'm talking about) would not be the cause. Still, there are a handful of case reports, etc. that can give one pause.
I have been treated for SBIO twice and they want to treat me for it yet again. My gastroenterologist has said that treatment is often, as in my case, not long lasting. I’m declining a third treatment as I too suffer from tinnitus. Good luck with your decision
It's a real issue, potentially. They put me on Rifaximin/neomycin for SIBO in 2015 and after 2 days I got in bed one night and couldn't fall asleep because of the blaring high pitched squeal. So they had me quit neomycin but the ringing remained awful for at least a year. I'm not sure when I habituated because I had to get a white noise machine to drown it out, but at some point it did fade. I have taken other meds that increased tinnitus but that's the only one that caused such long lasting and loud tinnitus for me.
Reading about toxicity…. It is scary. I plan to investigate the natural route. On youtube Dr. Berg can explain in simple language a natural effective remedy.
Could you share the YouTube link to Dr. Berg regarding a natural remedy in lieu of neomycin? Thank you.
I came across this thread while searching for info on the statistical risk of neomycin and tinnitus, and I wanted to share my experience and hope that doctors will provide patients with a full picture of the pros and cons. In my case, I was only warned about the tinnitus risk—not about the difference between a systemic antibiotic and one that targets the gut. I’ve taken two courses of Rifaximin and Neomycin for SIBO, and neither had any effect on my tinnitus. Recently, my new doctor advised against Neomycin because of my existing tinnitus and instead prescribed Metronidazole.
As Metronidazole is systemic, it caused significant side effects by disrupting my microbiome and flora balance. I developed oral thrush and a brown tongue, which cleared after about 10 days with oral probiotics. However, three months later I am still struggling with persistent vaginal irritation and bladder symptoms that feel like a UTI, though tested negative. At this point, my symptoms are much worse and debilitating than having SIBO. I am undergoing treatment, but there is no clear timeline for recovery. I am hoping that the balance can be restored and I can have my health back.
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Look for a functional medicine doctor in your area. Google it. Also look on YouTube for functional medicine doctors like Dr Eric Berg and type his name and SIBO behind it. Try that with several doctors on YouTube
You must type their name and then SIBO behind their name, to search for the videos. You likely have certain foods that are causing problems in your gut? Try an elimination diet or strict healthy keto. Look u dr Eric Berg’s website online as well as his videos on YouTube. There are plenty of other excellent functional medicine doctors on YouTube who are very well respected and have helped many people stay away from as many drugs as possible. They are not apposed to drugs in of themselves but offer far better solutions and safer ones that actually get to the cause and treat it rather than taking a drug to just put a band aid on the issue. All of the best!