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Compare Polysporin vs. Bacitraycin Plus Original

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

Key takeaways

Polysporin (bacitracin/polymyxin B) and bacitracin eye ointment are both antibiotics used to prevent or treat bacterial infections, but they have some important differences. Polysporin is a topical antibiotic ointment used to prevent bacterial skin infections from minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It combines two antibiotics, bacitracin and polymyxin B, and is available over the counter. In contrast, bacitracin eye ointment is used to treat bacterial infections in the eye and requires a prescription. It contains only bacitracin and requires a prescription. Polysporin is applied to the skin, while bacitracin eye ointment is applied directly to the eye. Polysporin is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, but it can cause skin rash or itching. Bacitracin eye ointment can cause blurry vision temporarily and may be messy to use. Both medications can rarely cause allergic reactions.

  • Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)
    Bacitracin
  • Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)
    Bacitracin

  • Summary of Polysporin vs. Bacitraycin Plus Original

    Summary for Topical antibiotic

    Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) is a combination medication that contains two antibiotics. It's an ointment that's applied on the skin to prevent bacterial infections in minor cuts and burns. Typically, you can apply this medication onto your skin 1 to 3 times daily. Most people have few to no side effects when they use Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) as directed.

    Summary for Topical antibiotic

    Bacitracin is a topical antibiotic ointment that's used to help prevent skin infections from small cuts, scrapes, and burns. It's available over the counter (OTC) and generally can be used in both children and adults. The ointment is typically applied 1 to 3 times a day to the affected area(s) of the skin. Side effects aren't very common, but if you develop a rash, you'll need to stop using it and contact your provider.

  • Indications of Polysporin vs. Bacitraycin Plus Original

    Indications for
    •Preventing bacterial skin infections from small cuts, scrapes, and burns
    Indications for
    •Preventing bacterial infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

  • Pros and Cons of Polysporin vs. Bacitraycin Plus Original

    Pros and Const for Topical antibiotic
    Pros
    •Combines two antibiotics into one topical ointment for convenience
    •Has very few side effects, so it's safe for most people if used as directed
    •Available as a generic, over-the-counter medication
    Cons
    •Might need to use multiple times a day
    •Can't use for deep or large wounds
    •Not meant to be used for more than 7 days
    Pros and Const for Topical antibiotic
    Pros
    •Can be used to prevent infections from minor skin injuries
    •Very few side effects
    •Available over the counter as a lower-cost, generic medication
    •A good option for those with allergies to other topical antibiotics
    Cons
    •Might need to use a few times per day
    •Can be messy to use
    •Not meant for long-term use
    •Can't be used to treat infections

  • Common Side Effects of Polysporin vs. Bacitraycin Plus Original

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings.

    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects aren't common. See Risks and Warnings.

  • Warnings of Polysporin vs. Bacitraycin Plus Original

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Use only on your skin
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Use only on your skin
    •Not for wounds caused by a viral or fungal infection

  • Prices with our coupons for Polysporin vs. Bacitraycin Plus Original

    Learn more about Polysporin
    Learn more about Bacitracin

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