Neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin Topical Advanced Patient Information - Drugs.com

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# Neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin (Topical)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 20, 2022.

## Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

- Triple Antibiotic
- Ultra Mide

Available Dosage Forms:

- Ointment

Therapeutic Class: Antibacterial Combination

Chemical Class: Aminoglycoside

## Uses for neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin

Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Bacitracin is a combination antibiotic medicine used to help prevent infections of the skin.

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination is available without a prescription.

## Before using neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin, the following should be considered:

### Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

### Pediatric

Studies on neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of topical neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination in children with use in other age groups.

### Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of topical neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination in the elderly with use in other age groups.

### Breastfeeding

Bacitracin

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Neomycin

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

### Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

- Alcuronium
- Atracurium
- Cidofovir
- Cisatracurium
- Colistimethate Sodium
- Decamethonium
- Doxacurium
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Fazadinium
- Foscarnet
- Furosemide
- Gallamine
- Hexafluorenium
- Metocurine
- Mivacurium
- Pancuronium
- Pipecuronium
- Rapacuronium
- Rocuronium
- Sorafenib
- Tubocurarine
- Vecuronium

Using neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

- Bumetanide

### Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

## Related/similar drugs

Bactrim, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, tetracycline topical, bacitracin topical, Bactrim DS, Neosporin

## Proper use of neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin

If you are using neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin without a prescription, do not use it to treat deep wounds, puncture wounds, serious burns, or raw areas without first checking with your health care professional.

Do not use neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin in the eyes.

Before applying neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin, wash the affected area with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.

After applying neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin, the treated area may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

### Dosing

The dose of neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

- For topical dosage form (ointment):
  - For prevention of minor bacterial infections:
    - Adults and children—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two to five times a day.

### Missed dose

If you miss a dose of neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

### Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

## Precautions while using neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin

If your skin problem does not improve within 1 week, or if it becomes worse, check with your health care professional.

## Neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

- Itching, skin rash, redness, swelling, or other sign of irritation not present before use of neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin

Rare

- Any loss of hearing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin b topical side effects (more detail)

## More about bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin b topical

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (4)
- Side effects
- Drug class: topical antibiotics
- En español

### Patient resources

- Drug Information

#### Other brands

Neosporin, Triple Antibiotic, Curad Triple Antibiotic, Medi-Quik

### Related treatment guides

- Bacterial Skin Infection
- Paronychia

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer