NEOMYCIN,POLYMYXIN B, AND BACITRACIN (Topical)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• Bactine First Aid Antibiotic
• Foille
• Mycitracin
• Neosporin Maximum Strength Ointment
• Neosporin Ointment
• Topisporin

Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.

Category

• Antibacterial, topical

Description

Neomycin, Polymyxin B,and Bacitracin (nee-oh-MYE-sin, pol-i-MIX-inbee, and bass-i-TRAY-sin ) is a combination antibioticmedicine used to help prevent infections of the skin.

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination is available withouta prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on theproper use of this medicine for your medical problem.

Topical neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination is availablein the following dosage form:

Topical
• Ointment (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

If you are using this medicinewithout a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label.For topical neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination, the followingshould be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to this medicine or to any related antibiotic, such as amikacin(e.g., Amikin), colistimethate (e.g., Coly-Mycin M), colistin (e.g., Coly-MycinS), gentamicin (e.g., Garamycin), kanamycin (e.g., Kantrex), neomycin by mouthor by injection (e.g., Mycifradin), netilmicin (e.g., Netromycin), paromomycin(e.g., Humatin), polymyxin B by injection (e.g., Aerosporin), streptomycin,or tobramycin (e.g., Nebcin). Also tell your health care professional if youare allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy?Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin topical preparationshave not been studied in pregnant women. However, this medicine has not beenshown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding?It is not known whether topical neomycin, polymyxinB, and bacitracin combination passes into breast milk. However, this medicinehas not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only in adultpatients, and there is no specific information comparing use of topical neomycin,polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination in children with use in other agegroups.

Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effectsor problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing useof topical neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination in the elderlywith use in other age groups.

Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) medicine.

Proper Use of This Medicine

If you areusing this medicine without a prescription, do not use it to treat deep wounds,puncture wounds, serious burns, or raw areas without first checking with yourhealth care professional.

Do not use this medicine in the eyes.

Before applying this medicine, wash the affected area with soap and water,and dry thoroughly.

After applying this medicine, the treated area may be covered with a gauzedressing if desired.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep usingthis medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptomshave disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing?The dose of topical neomycin, polymyxin B,and bacitracin combination 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 topical neomycin,polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination. If your doseis different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For topical dosage form (ointment):
  • For prevention of minor bacterial infections:
    • Adults and children?Apply to the affected area(s) of the skintwo to five times a day.

Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it assoon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip themissed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage?To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If yourskin problem does not improve within 1 week, or if it becomes worse, checkwith your health care professional.

Side Effects of This Medicine

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

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

More common

Rare

Other sideeffects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice anyother effects, check with your doctor.