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neomycin / polymyxin b / pramoxine

Generic Neosporin Plus Pain Relief Cream
Used for Bacterial Infection
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:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 15, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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.

Are you looking for information on Neosporin Plus Pain Relief (bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin B / pramoxine) ointment instead?

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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Avg retail price
$9.89(save 31.15%)
GoodRx discount
$6.81
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What are the 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

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream

thumbs-up

Pros

Combines 3 medications into one topical cream for convenience

Available over the counter as a lower-cost generic

Less greasy than an ointment

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream

pharmacist

  • 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.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream

              What does Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream do?
              Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream contains two different antibiotics and a medication to help with pain. The antibiotics help prevent infections in small cuts, burns, or scrapes. Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream shouldn't be used to treat infections once they've already started. If your cut looks red, swollen, or has pus coming out, see your provider right away for appropriate treatment.
              Does Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream expire?
              Yes. You can typically find the expiration date on the box or tube of Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream. Always check the expiration date of your medication before using it. Don't use Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream if it's expired. Expired Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream might not work well and can raise your risk of an infection. If your medication has expired, throw it away and get a new one over the counter.
              Is Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream good for burns?
              Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream can help prevent infection in minor burns. But if you have a more serious burn, you should see a healthcare professional and ask them how to treat it.
              Can you put Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream on a tattoo?
              Ask your provider how to care for a new tattoo while your skin heals. Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream hasn't been well-studied for use in new tattoos. In general, Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream should only be used in minor injuries, like cuts and scrapes. It might not be appropriate for tattoos, which are considered puncture wounds.
              Does Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream help acne?
              No, Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream isn't meant to help treat acne. There are other medications that have been proven to work against the bacteria that cause acne. If you have acne, talk with your provider about the best treatment options for you.
              Can you put Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream in your nose or lips?
              No. Only use Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream on the outside of your body. Never use it in your mouth or nose, or other areas like eyes or genitals. These areas are more sensitive and prone to side effects.
              Does Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream help heal faster?
              There isn't enough information to know the effect of Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream on the time it takes for wounds to heal. But preventing infection can allow your wound to heal. Research suggests, however, that topical antibiotics like Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream don't help with healing.
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              What are the 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.

              risk-warning

              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.

              risk-warning

              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.

              risk-warning

              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.

              dosage

              Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 tube of 28g of 3.5mg/10000 units/10mg of Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream is $6.81 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 31.15% off the average retail price of $9.89.
              tube of cream
              Tube of cream
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              28g of 3.5mg/10000 units/10mg1 tube$6.81$6.81

              Typical dosing 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?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
              Neosporin Plus Pain Relief cream (generic)
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              alternatives

              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

              $6.81 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Neosporin Plus Pain Relief
              Used for:

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

              $4.39 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Neosporin
              Used for:

              • Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

              $5.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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              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. 

              View All References (6)

              Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (2023). Neosporin Plus Pain Relief First Aid Antibiotic/Pain Relieving- neomycin sulfate, polymyxin b sulfate, and pramoxine hydrochloride cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions.

              Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (n.d.). Neosporin® + Pain relief cream.

              MedlinePlus. (2017). Pramoxine.

              Trimble, M. J., et al. (2016). Polymyxin: Alternative mechanisms of action and resistance. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine.

              Veirup, N., et al. (2023). Neomycin. StatPearls.

              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.
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