Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

By Neosporin

Rx

10gm Ointment in a Tube

Composition icon

Composition

Bacitracin(400units) + Neomycin(3400units) + Polymyxin B(5000units)

Manufacturer - Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd icon

Manufacturer - Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Dr. Annie Besant Road, Mumbai - 400 030

Expires on or after icon

Expires on or after

February, 2026

About Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment is a combination medication used to treat bacterial skin infections. These infections can cause symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching, which Neosporin helps to minimize by acting against the microorganisms responsible. Remember, it's important to only use Neosporin externally and as directed by your doctor. Clean, dry hands should be used to apply a thin layer only to the affected areas on the skin. Always wash your hands before and after application. If the ointment comes into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina, rinse thoroughly with water. Improvement in symptoms may take some time, so using the medicine consistently is crucial. Complete the full course of treatment for the best results. If your condition doesn't improve or worsens, consult your doctor promptly.

Though generally safe, Neosporin can sometimes cause mild side effects such as burning, irritation, itching, or redness at the application site. Serious side effects are rare, but if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction like rashes, itching, swelling, or shortness of breath, seek medical help immediately. Before using Neosporin, inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, especially if they are for the same condition or different illnesses. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use the ointment with caution and after consulting with a healthcare professional. If you have a known allergy to the components of Neosporin, avoid using it and ask your doctor for alternative treatment options. Additionally, during treatment, avoid touching or scratching the infected skin to prevent worsening or spreading of the infection.

Neosporin Ointment 10 gm, categorized as a dermatological medication, falls under the antibiotic class and is primarily utilized to address bacterial skin infections. This ointment serves as a first aid antibiotic to help prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns on the skin. Bacterial skin infections occur when bacteria infiltrate hair follicles or broken skin, initiating infections. Comprising Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B, Neosporin Ointment 10 gm offers a triple threat against bacterial infections. Bacitracin hinders bacterial cell wall synthesis, Neomycin halts the production of essential bacterial proteins, and Polymyxin B disrupts bacterial membranes by binding to cell membrane phospholipids, causing a loss of vital metabolites. When combined, these components work in tandem to combat bacterial skin infections effectively.

Consult your doctor for the correct dosage tailored to your specific infection. Possible side effects of Neosporin Ointment 10 gm may include itching, skin irritation, rash, redness, or swelling at the application site, although not every individual may experience these effects. Should these side effects persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional. Inform your doctor of any sensitivity to Neosporin Ointment 10 gm or other medications. This ointment should not be applied to deep puncture wounds, severe burns, deep cuts, or animal bites. Let your doctor know if you have viral or fungal skin infections, chronic ear infections, or a ruptured eardrum before using Neosporin Ointment 10 gm. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek advice from their healthcare provider before starting treatment with Neosporin Ointment 10 gm.


Benefits

Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment is an effective treatment for bacterial skin infections. This combination medicine works by stopping the growth of infection-causing bacteria on your skin, preventing the synthesis of essential proteins needed for their survival. It is particularly useful in treating skin conditions such as boils, impetigo, infected hair follicles, and infections in small cuts or wounds on your skin. Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment contains three antibiotics - Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B - each contributing to its efficacy.


Bacitracin, a bacteriostatic medicine, inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, prevents the synthesis of essential proteins in bacteria, while Polymyxin B destroys bacterial membranes by binding to their phospholipids, causing the loss of essential metabolites. When combined, these antibiotics work synergistically to combat bacterial skin infections effectively.


Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment has been proven to have few common side effects and is typically able to clear up infections within a few days of use. However, it is important to continue using the ointment for the full duration as prescribed by a healthcare provider to ensure complete eradication of the infection. By using Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment as directed, individuals can experience relief from bacterial skin infections and promote faster healing of wounds and cuts.


How to use the Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

To use Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment, start by cleaning and drying the affected area. Make sure to read the label for specific instructions. Using clean and dry hands, apply a thin layer of the ointment on the affected skin. You can also use a clean cotton wool or gauze swab for application. Gently massage the ointment into the skin until it is absorbed. Remember to wash your hands before and after applying the ointment, unless you are treating your hands. If you are using the dusting powder form of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment, simply dust the powder on the affected areas and lightly pat it onto the skin. Be sure to follow the dosage and duration recommended by your doctor for optimal results.


Uses of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment is commonly used to treat bacterial skin infections. Whether it's a minor cut, scrape, or burn, this ointment can help prevent infection and promote healing. By applying a thin layer of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment to the affected area, it creates a protective barrier that fights against bacteria that can cause skin infections. This ointment is especially useful for wounds that are prone to getting dirty or exposed to germs. The active ingredients in Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment, such as bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin, work together to combat bacterial growth and help the skin recover faster. Overall, Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment is a reliable and effective solution for treating bacterial skin infections and promoting the healing process.


What conditions Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment treats?

Bacterial skin infection happens when bacteria get into hair follicles or broken skin, causing symptoms like redness, pain, bumps, rashes, blisters, and swelling. These infections are usually mild and can be treated with topical antibiotics. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may be needed. Common bacterial skin infections include cellulitis, erysipelas, impetigo, folliculitis, and carbuncles.


Should you consult a doctor?

It's important to seek medical advice while using Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. If you experience any allergic reactions like rashes, itching, swelling, or shortness of breath, consult your doctor immediately. Additionally, if the ointment causes severe burning, irritation, itching, or redness at the application site, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using this medicine. If you are known to be allergic to Neosporin or its components, avoid using it and discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor. Remember not to touch or scratch the infected areas during the treatment to prevent further complications. If in doubt or concerned about any symptoms or effects, always consult your healthcare provider for guidance.


Side effects of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

While using Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment, it's important to note that most side effects are generally mild and will go away as your body gets used to the medication. However, if you experience persistent side effects or are concerned about any symptoms, it is recommended to seek advice from your doctor. Some of the less common side effects that have been reported include itching, skin irritation, rash, redness, and swelling at the application site. These side effects are usually not serious, but it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.


Safety advice

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liver

When considering the impact of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment on the liver, it is important to note that there is no established interaction or specific caution related to liver issues. This means that based on the available information, there is no known risk or warning specifically concerning the liver when using this ointment. It is advisable to follow general usage guidelines and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing liver conditions.

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kidney

No interaction or issues related to kidney found with Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment.

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alcohol

No interaction has been found between alcohol and Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment. It is advised to consult a doctor if you are pregnant.

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driving

It is safe to drive while using Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment, as no interactions have been found or established that may affect your ability to drive safely.

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pregnancy

Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies suggest potential harm to the developing baby. Consult your doctor for advice on benefits and risks before use.

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breastfeeding

Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment may be considered safe for use while breastfeeding. Available data indicates minimal risk to the baby.


Consumption warning before consuming Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

Before using Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you have viral or fungal skin infections, chronic ear infections, or a ruptured eardrum. It should not be applied on sunburns, lesions, blisters, or open wounds. After application, avoid washing the treated areas for at least 3 hours. Prior to use, notify your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or breastfeeding. Only use Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment in children over 2 years old if recommended by a doctor. These precautions are important for the safe and effective use of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment.


What if you forgot to take Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment?

If you happen to miss a dose of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment, don't worry. Just apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, it's better to skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Remember, do not try to make up for the missed dose by applying extra ointment. Simply get back on track with your usual dosing routine.


Related lab tests

When considering Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment, it may be beneficial to check a Complete Blood Count (CBC) through a lab test. A CBC provides detailed information about different types of cells in the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test helps assess overall health and can detect conditions such as infections or inflammation. By monitoring CBC results before and after using Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment, healthcare providers can evaluate its impact on the body's response to infections and wound healing. Other related lab tests that may be considered in conjunction with Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment include blood cultures to identify specific pathogens causing infections, and wound cultures to determine the presence of bacteria in wounds. These lab tests can provide valuable information to guide treatment decisions and ensure optimal care.


Additional Information

Habit FormingNo
Chemical Class-
Therapeutic ClassDERMA
Action Class-

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is to the best of our abilities to ensure it is accurate, reliable, and reviewed by a team of professionals. It should not be used to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. The information presented here is not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship or replace a registered medical practitioner's advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The absence or provision of any information or warning regarding any medicine should not be assumed as an implied or explicit assurance of safety or efficacy. We highly recommend consulting your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on the content encountered on our website. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

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Dr. Archana Prabhakar

MBBS, M.Med (Family Medicine)

Last update on 01-Oct-2024