Practical information on using paromomycin

Paromomycin is an aminoglycoside that is not systemically absorbed. It is active against protozoa, including Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis. It is used to eradicate cysts in the gut to prevent relapse after the initial treatment of invasive amoebiasis or amoebic liver abscess, and for treatment of giardiasis. It is also used to treat asymptomatic carriage of E. histolytica to minimise transmission and the risk of developing invasive disease.

Adverse effects of paromomycin are limited to gastrointestinal intolerance, particularly diarrhoea.