Triple antibiotic ointment
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Polymyxin B sulfate | Antibiotic |
| Neomycin sulfate | Antibiotic |
| Bacitracin zinc | Antibiotic |
| Clinical data | |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Micromedex Detailed Consumer Information |
| License data | |
| Pregnancy category |
|
| Routes of administration |
Topical |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status |
|
| Identifiers | |
| ChemSpider | |
| Product type | Antibiotic |
|---|---|
| Owner | Johnson & Johnson |
| Introduced | 1952 |
| Related brands | Polysporin |
| Markets | US and Canada |
| Previous owners | Pfizer |
| Website | neosporin.com |
Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin, sold under the brand name Neosporin among others, is an antibiotic cream that contains neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin. It is used to prevent infections.
Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin ointment is reported to be a safe and effective topical agent for preventing infections in minor skin trauma.
Neosporin is recommended for burns, scratches, cuts, and minor skin infections. It is most effective when the affected area is cleaned before the ointment is applied.
The use of triple-antibiotic ointments, such as neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin, decreases infection rates in minor-contaminated wounds. However, if the wound is sterile, then there are no benefits.
Neosporin is for external use only and should not be applied near mucous membranes such as the eyes or mouth. Neosporin is not recommended for children under the age of two. Neosporin has no known side effects; however, users should immediately seek medical attention if they experience hives, rashes, or itching. Any skin irritations such as pain, burning, or cracked skin that were not present prior to use of ointment must receive immediate care.
Concern exists that the use of Neosporin contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In the US, the only large market for Neosporin, the ointment may promote the prevalence of MRSA bacteria, specifically the highly lethal ST8:USA300 strain. Neosporin has been shown to cause contact dermatitis in some cases, and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
The original ointment contains three different antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B, in a relatively low-molecular-weight base of cocoa butter, cottonseed oil, sodium pyruvate, , and petroleum jelly.
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Wikipedia