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bacitracin / polymyxin B non-prescription

Generic Polysporin
Used for Skin Infection, Wound Care, Bacterial Infection
Used for Skin Infection, Wound Care, Bacterial Infection

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 18, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)?

What is Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) used for?

  • Preventing bacterial skin infections from small cuts, scrapes, and burns

How Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) works

Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) is a combination of two medications.

  • Bacitracin is an antibiotic that prevents bacteria from making their own protective covering (called a cell wall) to avoid harm.

  • Polymyxin B is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by destroying their protective covering.

Are you looking for information on Neosporin (neomycin / polymyxin B / bacitracin) topical ointment or Ak-Poly-Bac (bacitracin / polymyxin B) eye ointment instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPolysporin
Drug ClassTopical antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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What are the side effects of Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)?

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.

Other Side Effects

  • Skin rash
  • Itching

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

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
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)

thumbs-up

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

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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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)

pharmacist

  • Wash your hands before and after you apply Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) on your skin. This helps prevent the wound from getting contaminated and helps prevent the medication from getting in your eyes or mouth.

    • Before you use Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B), clean the affected area(s) of your skin and make sure it's dry.

      • After you apply Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) onto your skin, you can cover the treated area with a clean bandage.

        • Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) is meant to be used for small cuts, scrapes, and burns. You shouldn’t use it to cover large areas of the body or for serious injuries. Get medical attention right away if you have an animal bite, deep wound, or serious burn.

          • Only put Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) on the outside of your body (i.e., skin). Don't place this medication into your mouth or swallow it, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears.

            • Talk with your provider if you end up needing to use Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) for more than a week. Also stop using the medication and 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.

              • Store Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) up and away and out of children's reach and sight to prevent accidental ingestion. Always put medication away every time you use it. Call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed the ointment, even if you're not sure.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)

                Is Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) the same as Neosporin?
                Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) and Neosporin are two different medications that are applied onto your skin to prevent bacterial skin infection after minor injury. Both medications contain bacitracin and polymyxin B. But Neosporin also contains neomycin, which is another antibiotic. You can get both Neosporin and Polysporin over the counter.
                What is in Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)?
                Polysporin is an ointment that has two active ingredients: bacitracin and polymyxin B. Both of these active ingredients are antibiotics that help prevent an infection by killing or weakening bacteria around your injury.
                Does Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) get rid of infections?
                No, Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) shouldn’t be used to treat an active skin infection. This medication is only meant to help to prevent an infection, not to fight off an infection. Don't use Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) to treat a skin infection even if you already have it at home. Doing so might make your infection worse since it might not be the right medication for the infection. See a provider right away for appropriate treatment if your cut looks red, swollen, or has pus coming out.
                Does Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) help heal wounds?
                Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) helps prevent a skin infection from small cuts, scrapes, and burns. It isn't clear whether the ointment itself can heal wounds. But in general, preventing a skin infection from developing can help with this process. Covering your wound with a bandage after you've applied Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) can also help with wound healing since it protects the skin from further harm.
                Does Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) help blisters?
                Yes. Applying Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) to a blister can help prevent an infection, especially if the blister breaks and some raw skin gets exposed. In addition, one of the inactive ingredients of Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) is petrolatum, which can also help lessen friction when your skin rubs against something. Blisters typically take 1 to 2 weeks to get better. While you wait for your blister to go away, make sure you cover it with a bandage and avoid draining it to prevent infection as well.
                Does Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) expire?
                Yes, Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) can expire. Always check the expiration date on the tube before you use it. Don't use the medication if it's expired because it might not work well to prevent skin infections. Discard the expired tube and purchase a new one over-the-counter.
                Can I buy Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) over the counter?
                Yes, Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) is available as a lower-cost generic medication over the counter. You can purchase this medication at most pharmacies. Please note that Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) is only used to prevent infections, not to treat one. Talk to your provider right away if you need to use this medication for longer than a week, if your wound is getting worse, or if you get a skin rash.
                Can I put Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) on my eyelid?
                No, it's not recommended to put Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) near your eye, such as your eyelid. Your eyes are much more sensitive than your skin. The medication might accidentally get into your eyes if you put it near your eye. This might hurt or injure your eyes. Talk to your provider if you have a cut or injury on your eyelid.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)?

                Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) 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

                In some rare cases, Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) can cause an allergic reaction. Stop using the ointment and contact a provider if you develop a skin rash or other reaction while you're using this medication. Get emergency medical help right away if you have a more serious allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath or swelling of your tongue, lips, or face.

                risk-warning

                Use only on your skin

                Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or genitals. Get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away by calling 1-800-222-1222 if someone accidentally swallows the ointment.

                dosage

                Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) dosage forms

                tube of ointment
                Tube of ointment
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                28.3g1 tube$12.63$12.63

                Typical dosing for Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)

                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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                How much does Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B) cost?

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                Polysporin (brand)
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                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B)
                Used for:

                • Preventing bacterial skin infections from small cuts, scrapes, and burns

                $3.83 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Neosporin
                Used for:

                • Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

                $5.20 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

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                References

                Best studies we found

                American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). How to prevent and treat blisters.

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

                Nguyen, R., et al. (2024). Bacitracin topical. StatPearls.

                View All References (2)

                Strategic Sourcing Services LLC. (2024). Double antibiotic- bacitracin zinc and polymyxin b sulfate ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.

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

                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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