Neosporin Ointment (Bacitracin 400IU / Neomycin 3400IU / Polymyxin B 5000IU)

Description

Neosporin Skin Ointment is an antibiotic combination consisting of Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Bacitracin. It is used to treat and prevent bacterial skin infections associated with minor cuts, abrasions (superficial injuries that occur when the skin is rubbed or torn off), first-degree burns (superficial burns that only affect the skin surface), injuries, stitched surgical wounds, etc. It works by damaging the bacterial cell walls (protective covering) and stopping their growth and multiplication. Thus it kills the bacteria and prevents the spread of infection.

Neosporin Skin Ointment may cause minor side effects like redness, itching, dryness, or irritation at the site of application. Before you start using it, perform a patch test by applying it to a small area on your skin to know how your skin will react to this ointment. Discontinue the use and consult your doctor if you experience severe burning, itching of the skin, rashes, etc.

Neosporin Skin Ointment is meant for external use only. Use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Clean your hands properly and apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected area. Avoid direct contact with your eyes, mouth, or nose. Wash thoroughly with water in case of accidental contact. Inform your doctor if you do not notice any improvement in your condition even after seven to ten days of use.

Neosporin Skin Ointment should not be used on second-degree (burns where the skin is red, swollen, or blistered) or third-degree burns (burns where muscles or bones are exposed), boils, deep and bleeding wounds, and animal bites.

Neosporin Skin Ointment is not recommended for use in children below two years of age. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Neosporin Skin Ointment
Skin irritation at the site of application
Swelling, itching and redness at the site of application
Burning sensation of skin
Severe allergic reaction
Uses of Neosporin Skin Ointment
What is it prescribed for?
Bacterial skin infections
Neosporin Skin Ointment is used to treat and prevent bacterial skin infections at graft donor sites (the area of the body from which a healthy skin has been taken to replace diseased or injured tissue), suturing (stitching) of wounds or surgical cuts, etc.
Minor burns
Neosporin Skin Ointment is used for the prevention and treatment of bacterial skin infections in minor, first-degree burns (superficial burns that only affect the skin surface).
Minor wounds, cuts and abrasions
Neosporin Skin Ointment is used for the prevention and treatment of bacterial skin infections associated with minor cuts, abrasions (superficial injuries that occur when the skin is rubbed or torn off), injuries, scratches, etc.

Related Product

When not to use?

Allergy
Neosporin Skin Ointment is not recommended for use if you are allergic to Polymyxin B, Neomycin, Bacitracin, or any other ingredients present in the formulation. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), breathing difficulty, etc.
Otitis externa
Neosporin Skin Ointment is not recommended for use if you have Otitis externa (pain, redness, or swelling of the external ear canal, the tube between the outer ear and eardrum) in the presence of a perforated tympanic membrane (ruptured eardrum). This medicine may increase the risk of ototoxicity (a condition that damages your hearing and affects your balance).

Warnings

Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Neosporin Skin Ointment is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Neosporin Skin Ointment is not recommended for use while breastfeeding necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before using this medicine. If your doctor has prescribed this medicine, make sure your baby does not come into contact with the area where the medication is applied.
General warnings
Kidney problems
Neosporin Skin Ointment should be used with caution if you have kidney problems due to the increased risk of side effects. Your doctor may recommend appropriate dose adjustments based on the severity of your condition.
Diarrhoea
Antibiotic treatment may cause an imbalance in the normal microbial flora of the large intestine, which may promote the growth of a bacteria called Clostridium difficile. As a result, you may experience severe diarrhoea. Although it is unlikely to occur in topically applied antibiotics like Neosporin Skin Ointment, report any such incidence to your doctor on priority.
Other medicines
Neosporin Skin Ointment may interact with other medicines and cause severe side effects. Hence, inform your doctor about all your current medicines, including any herbs and supplements, before beginning treatment with this medication.
Use in children
Neosporin Skin Ointment is not recommended for use in children below two years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not clinically established.
External use only
Neosporin Skin Ointment is recommended for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash immediately with water in case of accidental contact. If the medicine is swallowed, seek immediate medical help.

Dosage

Missed Dose
Avoid missing a dose of Neosporin Skin Ointment. Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
An overdose of Neosporin Skin Ointment is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, ingestion of this medicine may be harmful, and immediate medical intervention will be necessary.

Interactions

General Instructions
Apply a thin layer of Neosporin Skin Ointment to the affected area. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert.

Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. In case of accidental contact, wash immediately with water.

Do not use Neosporin Skin Ointment more often, in larger or smaller quantities, or for a longer duration than recommended by your doctor. Inform your doctor if your skin problem does not improve even after seven to ten days of treatment.

Avoid applying Neosporin Skin Ointment to deep wounds, severe burns, and animals bite. Keep out of reach of your children and pets.