neomycin / polymyxin b / bacitracin non-prescription
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.
What is Neosporin?
What is Neosporin used for?
- Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
How Neosporin works
Neosporin is a combination of three antibiotics (bacitracin, polymyxin B, and neomycin) that work together to kill bacteria by making their protective covering weaker and preventing them from making proteins they need to survive.
Drug facts
Side effects of Neosporin
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
See Risks and Warnings
The following Neosporin side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
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Pros and cons of 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
Pharmacist tips for Neosporin
- Before using Neosporin, clean the affected area(s) on your skin. Wash your hands before and after using this medication. This will help prevent contamination (the spread of germs).
- You should only use Neosporin to prevent infections in your cut. If it looks infected already (red, swollen, pus coming out), you need to see your healthcare provider right away to get proper treatment.
- You can use a bandage to cover the affected area after applying Neosporin so it won't get on your clothing.
- If you need to use Neosporin longer than 1 week or if the affected areas are getting worse, stop using it and contact your provider. This might be a sign that your wound might need more medical attention.
- Neosporin should only be used on small cuts, scrapes, or burns. You shouldn’t use it over large areas of the body or for more serious injuries. If you have deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns, ask your provider right away about what you should do to treat your injury.
- If you or someone you know accidentally swallows Neosporin, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away by calling 1-800-222-1222.
- Store Neosporin at room temperature away from children and pets.
Common questions about Neosporin
Yes. Be sure to check the expiration date on your package before using Neosporin. If it's past the expiration date, it might not work as well to prevent infection. In fact, using expired Neosporin can raise your risk of an infection. You can get rid of expired Neosporin by bringing them to a drug disposal site.
Yes, Neosporin contains three different antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B.
Neosporin 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.
Ask your provider how to care for a new tattoo while your skin heals. Neosporin hasn't been well-studied for use in new tattoos. In general, Neosporin should only be used in minor injuries, like cuts and scrapes, and might not be appropriate for tattoos. Watch out for signs of an infection, such as redness that spreads, pain that worsens, fever, and pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your provider so they can rule out infection and make sure you get the proper treatment.
Neosporin is typically not recommended to use for eczema. While eczema flares can lead to scratching and infections, Neosporin isn't approved to treat infections once they've already begun. Additionally, some antibiotic ointments, like Neosporin, can irritate your skin and cause your eczema to get worse. Talk to your provider about safer ways to manage your eczema symptoms.
No, Neosporin 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.
No. Only use Neosporin 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.
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Risks and warnings for Neosporin
Neosporin 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
In some rare cases, Neosporin can cause an allergic reaction. If you develop a skin rash or other reaction while using this medication, stop using it and contact your provider. If you experience a more serious allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath or swelling of your tongue, lips, or face, get emergency medical help right away.
Use only on your skin
Neosporin should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or genitals. If this medication is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away by calling 1-800-222-1222.
Neosporin dosage
Tube of ointment| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28.4g of 5mg/5000iu/400iu | 1 tube | $6.29 | $6.29 |
| 14g of 3.5mg/5000iu/400iu | 1 tube | $4.37 | $4.37 |
| 28g of 3.5mg/5000iu/400iu | 1 tube | $5.20 | $5.20 |
Typical dosage for Neosporin
Apply a small amount (about the size of the tip of your finger) to the affected area(s) 1 to 3 times daily.
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