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neomycin / polymyxin b / pramoxine

Generic Neosporin Plus Pain Relief Cream
Used for Bacterial Infection

Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream is a topical antibiotic that's applied on the skin to help prevent infection and relieve pain. It contains two antibiotics (neomycin and polymyxin B) and a medication for pain (pramoxine). It can be used 1-3 times a day by people ages 2 years and older. Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream is available over the counter as a lower-cost generic. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin redness and rash.

Reviewed by:Last reviewed on January 15, 2024
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What is Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream?

What is Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream used for?

  • Preventing infections and providing short-term pain relief in small cuts, scrapes, and burns

How Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream works

Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream is a combination of 3 medications:

  • Neomycin is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making proteins that they need to survive.
  • Polymyxin B is also an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by destroying the bacteria's protective covering.
  • Pramoxine is a local pain medication. It prevents nerve endings from sending pain signals in parts of the skin that have pain or discomfort.

Drug facts

Common BrandsNeosporin Plus Pain Relief cream
Drug ClassTopical antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Side effects of Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Itching
  • Skin rash
  • Redness
  • Swelling

Source: DailyMed

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Pros and cons of Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream

Pros

  • Combines 3 medications into one topical cream for convenience
  • Available over the counter as a lower-cost generic
  • Less greasy than an ointment

Cons

  • Might need to be applied multiple times a day
  • Only prevents some bacterial infections, not fungal or viral infections
  • Can't be used for deep or large wounds
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Pharmacist tips for Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream

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  • Wash your hands before and after using Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream to help prevent the wound from getting contaminated and getting medication in your eyes or mouth.
  • Before applying Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream, clean the affected area(s) of your skin. After applying this medication, you can cover the treated area with a clean bandage.
  • Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream should only be used on the outside of your body (e.g., skin). Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears.
  • Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream should only be used on small cuts, scrapes, or burns. You shouldn’t use it to cover large areas of the body or for serious injuries. If you have an animal bite, deep wound, or serious burns, get medical attention right away.
  • Stop using Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream and talk with your provider if you've been using this medication for more than a week or if symptoms (e.g., skin pain) come back after clearing up. Also let your provider know if your wound has gotten worse or hasn't gotten better after a week. Your provider can check your injury to see if it needs more medical attention.
  • Store Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream up and away from children's reach and sight. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medicine that was left out. Always put medication away every time you use it. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
  • If you're allergic to medications such as gentamicin (Gentak), streptomycin, and paromomycin, talk to your provider first before using Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream since it contains neomycin, a similar antibiotic.
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Risks and warnings for Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream

Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Allergic reaction

Tell your provider before using Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream if you have a history of allergy to antibiotics, such as gentamicin (Gentak), streptomycin, and paromomycin. Watch out for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, such as swelling, rash, itchy skin, or other skin conditions. Please stop using Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream and tell your provider if you have these signs and symptoms.

Use only on your skin

Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream should only be used on your skin. Don’t apply in your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. If you think that your child might have accidentally swallowed this medication, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

Temporary use only

Stop using Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream and talk with your provider if you've been using this medication for more than a week or if symptoms (e.g., skin pain) come back after clearing up. Also let your provider know if your wound has gotten worse or hasn't gotten better after a week. Your provider can check your injury to make sure it's not infected.

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Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream dosage

The average cost for 1 tube of 28g of 3.5mg/10000 units/10mg of Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream is $11.05 with a free GoodRx coupon.
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DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
28g of 3.5mg/10000 units/10mg1 tube$11.05$11.05

Typical dosage for Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream

  • Adults and children 2 years and older: Apply a small amount (about the size of the tip of your finger) to the affected area(s) 1 to 3 times daily.
  • Children under 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.
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How much does Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream cost?

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Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream (generic)
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What are alternatives to Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream
Used for:
  • Preventing infections and providing short-term pain relief in small cuts, scrapes, and burns
$11.05Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Preventing infections and providing short-term pain relief from small cuts, scrapes, and minor burns
$6.55Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
$7.42Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

References

Best studies we found

Bandyopadhyay, D. (2021). Topical antibacterials in dermatology. Indian Journal of Dermatology.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Medication safety and your health.

Childs-Kean, L. M., et al. (2019). Aminoglycoside allergic reactions. Pharmacy

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.