Gentamicin vs. Neosporin for Skin Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Gentamicin

Neosporin

Summary for Gentamicin

Prescription only

Gentamicin is a topical antibiotic that treats bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo. It comes as a cream that's useful for wet, oozing, or greasy skin infections. There's also a topical ointment for infections on dry skin. Both forms are applied on the skin 3 to 4 times a day. Gentamicin can be used on adults and children over 1 year of age. Most people don't have many side effects when used as directed. But it's possible to have mild skin irritation, like redness and itching.

Indications for Gentamicin

Impetigo
Other bacterial skin infections

Pros and Cons for Gentamicin

Pros

Treats various bacterial skin infections, including severe acne or impetigo
Very few side effects, so it's safe for most people if used as directed
Might be a good option for people who are sensitive to Neosporin

Cons

Applied many times a day
Can cause temporary skin irritation
Need a prescription from a healthcare professional

Common Side Effects for Gentamicin

Side effects aren't common. See "Other Side Effects."

Warnings for Gentamicin

Risk of other skin infections
Allergic reaction

Summary for Neosporin

Over-the-counter

Neosporin, sometimes known as "triple antibiotic," is a combination antibiotic ointment that contains three active ingredients: bacitracin, polymyxin B, and neomycin. Neosporin is used to help prevent skin infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, as these wounds heal. But it's not meant to treat animal bites, serious burns, or deep puncture wounds - those might require medical attention. It's available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic medication.

Indications for Neosporin

Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

Pros and Cons for Neosporin

Pros

Combines three antibiotics into one ointment for convenience
Available over the counter
Works well to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
Comes in different sizes
Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

Might need to use it a few times per day
Can be messy to use
Not meant for long-term use
Can't be used to treat infections
Not for use in your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or genitals

Common Side Effects for Neosporin

See Risks and Warnings

Warnings for Neosporin

Allergic reaction
Use only on your skin

Prices with our coupons for Gentamicin vs. Neosporin

Gentamicin2 tubes / 15g of 0.1%

$31.50$99.98

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Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Bacitracin Non-Prescription1 tube / 14g of 3.5mg/5000iu/400iu

$10.68-

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Gentamicin vs. Neosporin

Gentamicin

Neosporin

Summary for Gentamicin

Indications for Gentamicin

Pros and Cons for Gentamicin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Gentamicin

Warnings for Gentamicin

Summary for Neosporin

Indications for Neosporin

Pros and Cons for Neosporin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Neosporin

Warnings for Neosporin

Prices with our coupons for Gentamicin vs. Neosporin

Compare other Skin Infection drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Gentamicin

Neosporin

Summary for Gentamicin

Indications for Gentamicin

Pros and Cons for Gentamicin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Gentamicin

Warnings for Gentamicin

Summary for Neosporin

Indications for Neosporin

Pros and Cons for Neosporin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Neosporin

Warnings for Neosporin