neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin topical (Neosporin Original Ointment, Triple Antibiotic Ointment): Dosing and Uses

Dosing and uses of Neosporin Original Ointment, Triple Antibiotic Ointment (neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin topical)

• Adult
• Pediatric

Adult dosage forms and strengths

neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin topicaL

topical cream/ointment

• (3.5mg/5,000units/400units)/1gram

Treatment/Prophylaxis Superficial Skin Infection

Apply topically qDay-TId

Also known as triple antibiotic cream/ointment

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin topicaL

topical cream/ointment

• (3.5mg/5,000units/400units)/1gram

Treatment/Prophylaxis Superficial Skin Infection

Apply topically qDay-TId

Also known as triple antibiotic cream/ointment

Neosporin Original Ointment, Triple Antibiotic Ointment (neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin topical) adverse (side) effects

>10%

Allergic contact dermatitis (60%)

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Not for use in eyes or over large areas of body

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: unknown if distributed in breast milk

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology of Neosporin Original Ointment, Triple Antibiotic Ointment (neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin topical)

Mechanism of action

Neomycin: Antibiotic; inhibits production of protine in bacteria resulting in cell death

Polymyxin: Antibiotic; increases permeability of bacterial cell wall membranes resulting in cell lysis

Bacitracin: Antibiotic; bactericidal or bacteriostatic depending on concetnraiton; inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis