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Compare Neosporin vs. Cortisporin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Neosporin (bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B) and neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone (formerly Cortisporin) are both used to treat infections, but they have different uses and formulations. Neosporin is a topical antibiotic ointment available over the counter, used to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It combines three antibiotics to kill bacteria. In contrast, neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone is a prescription ear drop that treats outer ear infections and includes two antibiotics and a corticosteroid to reduce swelling and itching. While Neosporin is applied to the skin, neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone is specifically for the ears and should not be used in the eyes. Neosporin is convenient for minor skin injuries, whereas neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone is more specialized for ear infections and requires careful administration to avoid contamination. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable.

  • Neosporin
    Cortisporin otic
  • Neosporin
    Cortisporin otic

  • Summary of Neosporin vs. Cortisporin

    Summary for Topical antibiotic

    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.

    Summary for Anti-infective / Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Cortisporin Otic is an ear drop that contains three medications: two antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin) and a corticosteroid (hydrocortisone). It's a good option for treating outer ear infections in adults and children. The typical dose is to place 3 to 4 drops into the affected ear three to four times a day for up to 10 days. Some people have reported burning and stinging as side effects. Brand name Cortisporin Otic has been discontinued; this medication is only available as a generic.

  • Indications of Neosporin vs. Cortisporin

    Indications for
    •Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
    Indications for
    •Outer ear infection

  • Pros and Cons of Neosporin vs. Cortisporin

    Pros and Const for Topical antibiotic
    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
    Pros and Const for Anti-infective / Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Contains three medications that work together to kill the bacteria and treat ear discomfort
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can be used with a cotton wick
    Cons
    •One of the antibiotic ingredients (neomycin) can damage hearing.
    •Might cause burning when applied
    •Can't be used if you have a torn ear drum or chickenpox

  • Common Side Effects of Neosporin vs. Cortisporin

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Stinging

  • Warnings of Neosporin vs. Cortisporin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Use only on your skin
    Common Side Effects for
    •Hearing loss
    •Allergic reaction
    •New infection

  • Prices with our coupons for Neosporin vs. Cortisporin

    Learn more about Neosporin
    Learn more about Cortisporin otic

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