Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment


Product Info

Prescription required Yes
Marketer Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Active Ingredient Bacitracin (400units) + Neomycin (3400units) + Polymyxin B (5000units)
Storage Store below 30°C
Habit FormingNo
Therapeutic ClassDERMA
User Rating4.3
User Reviews350

FAQ

Question
Will a higher than the recommended dose of Neosporin Antibiotic be more effective?
No, Neosporin Antibiotic will not be more effective if overused. Overusing the medicine can result in too much medicine being absorbed into the body. This may lead to thinning or weakening of the skin and other serious side effects. If you are experiencing increased severity of your symptoms, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.
Answer

Question
What precautions need to be taken while using Neosporin Antibiotic?
Neosporin Antibiotic should not be used on the face. Do not use the medication for longer than the advised periods of time. Do not apply a bandage or dressing to the area being treated, as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase the risk of side effects. This medicine should only be used by the patient and never be given to other people even if their condition appears to be the same.
Answer

Question
How to use Neosporin Antibiotic?
Follow the directions given by the doctor on the medicine. Apply the medicine thinly and in sufficient quantity to cover the affected areas. Neosporin Antibiotic is usually applied two or three times a day to the affected areas of skin. Wash your hands after using Neosporin Antibiotic, unless it is used for treating skin infection on the hands.
Answer

Question
Can I stop applying Neosporin Antibiotic when my symptoms are relieved?
No, do not stop taking Neosporin Antibiotic and complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured.
Answer

Question
What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Neosporin Antibiotic?
Keep this medicine in the packet or the container it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.
Answer
Question
What if you forget to take Neosporin Ointment?
If you miss a dose of Neosporin Antibiotic, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Answer

Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment Reviews

Neosporin Antibiotic is a combination medicine. It is used to treat various types of bacterial skin infections. It minimizes symptoms of skin infection such as redness, swelling, itching, etc., by acting against the infection-causing microorganisms.

Neosporin Antibiotic is only meant for external use and should be used as advised by your doctor. A thin layer of the medicine should be applied only to the affected areas of the skin with clean and dry hands. Wash your hands before and after applying the medicine. If it gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina rinse with water. It may take several days to weeks for your symptoms to improve, but you should keep using this medicine regularly. The course of the treatment should be completed to ensure better efficacy of the medicine. If your condition does not improve or gets worse, you should talk to your doctor.

This is usually a safe medicine, however, it may cause burning, irritation, itching, and redness at the application site. These side effects are usually mild and self-limiting. Serious side effects are rare. You must consult the doctor if you experience any allergic reaction (rashes, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, etc.).

Before taking this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines for the same disease or other diseases. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use this medicine with proper consultation and caution. If you are a known allergic to the medicine, you must refrain from using this medicine. You should consult the doctor about prescribing an alternative medicine for your condition. During the course of the treatment, do not touch or scratch the infected skin areas as this may worsen or spread the infection.

How Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment Works

Neosporin Antibiotic is a combination of three antibiotics: Bacitracin, Neomycin and Polymyxin B. These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria or stopping their growth on the skin. Together, they treat your skin infection effectively.

How to Use Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and gently massage the ointment.

Benefits of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

  • In Bacterial skin infections: Neosporin Antibiotic is a combination medicine which works by stopping the growth of infection-causing bacteria on your skin. It prevents the synthesis of essential proteins necessary for the survival of bacteria. It is effective against skin infections such as boils, impetigo, and infected hair follicles. It may also be used to treat infections in small cuts or wounds on your skin. This treatment has few common side effects and should clear up infections within a few days, but you should keep using it for as long as it is prescribed.

Uses of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

  • Bacterial skin infections

Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment Side Effects

Item form

Safety Tips

Breast feeding  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Neosporin Antibiotic is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Pregnancy  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Neosporin Antibiotic may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Quick Tips

  • Neosporin Antibiotic helps treat bacterial skin infections.
  • Do not apply it to broken skin and take care to avoid getting it in your eyes, nose or mouth. 
  • Use it once or twice daily, or as advised by your doctor. Treatment should be continued until at least two days after the condition has resolved.
  • Do not use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor. Inform your doctor if your skin problem does not improve even after seven days of treatment.
  • Do not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages unless directed by a doctor, as this may increase the risk of side effects. 
  • It may cause temporary burning, itching or a redness at application site. This is usually mild. Consult your doctor if you experience a more severe reaction.

References

  1. ScienceDirect. Polymyxin B.
  2. Nguyen R, Khanna NR, Safadi AO, et al. Bacitracin Topical. [Updated 2024 Jun 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
  3. PubChem. Bacitracin.
  4. PubChem. Neomycin.
  5. ScienceDirect. Neomycin.
  6. Neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and bacitracin zinc ophthalmic ointment [Drug Label]. Bristol, TN: Monarch Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2004.

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