Neomycin-Based Medications

[stormhawk]

Hi guys, was browsing some online aquatic stores. Came across this product by Seachem called Neoplex. According to the information on the site here's what it said:

Neoplex is a broad spectrum neomycin sulfate based antibacterial, fungal, and parasitic agent that is effective and long lasting in both marine water and freshwater. It is generally safe for invertebrates and delicate fish and will not damage the filter bed. A 10 g vial treats 200 gallons. Marine or freshwater use.

Has anyone used this product before? Looks good for a broad-spectrum medication. :wink:

[TyroneGenade]

From: http://www.biocompare.com/itemdetail...List=744,11097 :

An aminoglycoside antibiotic effective against most gram negative and gram positive bacteria. Interferes with initiation, translation, and elongation by binding to ribosomes, thereby causing misreading of mRNA; also a phospholipid inhibitor. Effective working concentration of 50 mg/mL. Store at room temperature; stable at 37°C for 5 days.

Ok, this product will effect your filter bacteria but you can compensate by doing more water changes and relying on plants. You must do water changes regardless as as the drug breaks down it will form toxic compounds. The odds are your fish's liver and kidneys will also metabolize it to toxic compounds that are excreted.

From http://neomycin.drugs.com/:

Neomycin may cause damage to the kidneys and/ or nerves... Tell your doctor if you experience decreased urination, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, feeling of fullness in the ears, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures which may be signs of kidney or nerve damage.

For "tell your doctor" insert tell your vet...

I understand that is also does not play nice with vitamin B-12 in the mix.

Neomycin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take neomycin without first talking to you doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

So it will probably cause deformed fishies...

My opinion: don't use it unless you have to. It is not a "quick fix" to your problems.

[stormhawk]

Thanks for the info Tyrone. Came across this URL with some interesting info on common aquarium medications.

A Description of Common Medications and Their Use : Sygnathid.org

From the URL it's true that neomycin will kill filter bacteria. At least now I know the claims on the site aren't all that true after all.