'''Paromomycin''' is an [[aminoglycoside antibiotic]], first isolated from the [[microorganism]] ''[[Streptomyces rimosus]]'' in the 1950s. It is primarily used as an [[antiprotozoal agent]] to treat [[parasitic infections]], including [[amebiasis]], [[giardiasis]], and [[leishmaniasis]].
{{Short description|An aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat various infections}}
==Chemistry==
[[File:Paromomycin_structure.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Paromomycin]]
Paromomycin is a derivative of [[neomycin]], and like other aminoglycosides, it consists of a number of [[amino sugars]] connected by [[glycosidic bonds]]. The compound is highly polar, which limits its distribution in the body and makes it poorly absorbed from the [[gastrointestinal tract]].
==Mechanism of action==
'''Paromomycin''' is an [[aminoglycoside]] [[antibiotic]] that is primarily used to treat certain types of [[parasitic infections]]. It is derived from the bacterium ''[[Streptomyces rimosus]]'' and is effective against a variety of [[protozoa]] and some [[bacteria]].
Paromomycin works by binding to the [[ribosomal RNA]] of the [[parasite]], interfering with [[protein synthesis]]. This causes the production of abnormal proteins that are non-functional or toxic to the parasite, leading to its death.
==Clinical use==
==Mechanism of Action==
Paromomycin is used to treat a variety of parasitic infections. In the treatment of amebiasis and giardiasis, it is taken orally to act directly on the parasites in the gut. For leishmaniasis, it is given by injection.
Paromomycin works by binding to the [[16S rRNA]] of the [[30S ribosomal subunit]] in [[bacteria]], which interferes with the [[protein synthesis]] process. This binding causes the [[ribosome]] to misread the [[mRNA]], leading to the production of faulty proteins and ultimately resulting in the death of the bacterial cell. In [[protozoa]], the exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to disrupt protein synthesis in a similar manner.
==Side effects==
==Uses==
The most common side effects of paromomycin are related to the gastrointestinal system and include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[diarrhea]]. Because it is poorly absorbed, systemic side effects are rare but can include [[kidney damage]] and [[hearing loss]].
Paromomycin is used to treat a variety of infections, including:
==Resistance==
* [[Amoebiasis]]: It is effective against ''[[Entamoeba histolytica]]'', the causative agent of amoebic dysentery.
Resistance to paromomycin can occur and is usually due to changes in the parasite's ribosomal RNA that prevent the drug from binding. This is a growing concern, particularly in the treatment of leishmaniasis.
* [[Leishmaniasis]]: Paromomycin is used in the treatment of [[visceral leishmaniasis]], also known as kala-azar.
* [[Cryptosporidiosis]]: It is sometimes used to treat infections caused by ''[[Cryptosporidium]]'' species, particularly in [[immunocompromised]] patients.
* [[Giardiasis]]: Paromomycin can be used to treat infections caused by ''[[Giardia lamblia]]''.
==See also==
==Administration==
Paromomycin is typically administered [[orally]] in the form of capsules or tablets. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection being treated. For certain infections, such as visceral leishmaniasis, paromomycin may be administered [[intramuscularly]].
==Side Effects==
Common side effects of paromomycin include [[gastrointestinal]] disturbances such as [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[diarrhea]]. In some cases, it may cause [[ototoxicity]], which can lead to [[hearing loss]]. [[Nephrotoxicity]] is another potential side effect, although it is less common.
==Precautions==
Paromomycin should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing [[renal impairment]] or [[hearing disorders]]. It is important to monitor kidney function and hearing during treatment, especially in patients receiving high doses or prolonged therapy.
==[[File:Paromomycin_ball-and-stick.png|thumb|left|Ball-and-stick model of Paromomycin]]==
==Related Pages==
* [[Aminoglycoside]]
* [[Aminoglycoside]]
* [[Antiprotozoal agent]]
* [[Antibiotic]]
* [[Amebiasis]]
* [[Giardiasis]]
* [[Leishmaniasis]]
* [[Leishmaniasis]]
* [[Amoebiasis]]
[[Category:Antibiotics]]
[[Category:Aminoglycoside antibiotics]]
[[Category:Aminoglycosides]]
[[Category:Antiprotozoal agents]]
[[Category:Antiprotozoal agents]]
[[Category:World Health Organization essential medicines]]
Paromomycin works by binding to the 16S rRNA of the 30S ribosomal subunit in bacteria, which interferes with the protein synthesis process. This binding causes the ribosome to misread the mRNA, leading to the production of faulty proteins and ultimately resulting in the death of the bacterial cell. In protozoa, the exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to disrupt protein synthesis in a similar manner.
Paromomycin is typically administered orally in the form of capsules or tablets. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection being treated. For certain infections, such as visceral leishmaniasis, paromomycin may be administered intramuscularly.
Paromomycin should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or hearing disorders. It is important to monitor kidney function and hearing during treatment, especially in patients receiving high doses or prolonged therapy.
