What is Neosporin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Sep 10, 2022  •  Published Sep 10, 2022

Neosporin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Neosporin, AK-Poly-Bac, Neo-Polycin, Polycin, Polytrim, Triple Antibiotic, Leader Triple Antibiotic, Medi-First Triple Antibiotic, Good Sense Triple Antibiotic, Health Mart Triple Antibiotic Ointment, All-Purpose First Aid Kit, Antibiotic Ointment, First Aid Triple Antibiotic, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Triple Antibiotic, Triple Antibiotic Ointment

Generic Names:

  • Double Antibiotic

Uses:

  • Treats eye infections., Treats eye infections and swelling. Contains an antibiotic medicine and may sometimes contain a corticosteroid., Prevents infections caused by minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic, Antibiotic Combination, Antibacterial Combination

Forms:

  • Liquid, Drop, Ointment, Cream

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye, On the skin

What form(s) does Neosporin come in

  • Liquid

  • Drop

  • Ointment

  • Cream

What are common Neosporin doses?

  • Tube Of Ointment 14.2GM of 500-10000UNIT/GM

Common Neosporin prescriptions

  • Neosporin
    10ml of 1.75-10000-.025 bottle

How to take Neosporin

  • Use this medicine as directed.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if your infection improves. Your infection might come back if you stop using the medicine too soon.

  • Missed dose: Use your medicine as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and use a regular dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.

  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • To use the ointment:Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • FOR USE ON THE SKIN ONLY. Do not use this medicine in or around your eyes or over large areas of your body. This medicine should not be used in your ears if your eardrum is perforated (torn).

  • Clean the wound and apply a small amount of ointment or cream. You may cover the wound with a bandage after putting on the medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Neosporin

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Neosporin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to neomycin, polymyxin B, or gramicidin.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to certain antibiotics. Make sure your doctor knows about all medicines you are allergic to, especially polymyxin B, gramicidin, neomycin, bacitracin, oxytertracycline, Neosporin®, Neocidin®, or Polysporin®.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin B.

Neosporin warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney problems.

  • If your condition does not get better, or gets worse, while you are using this medicine, call your doctor.

  • For more serious wounds such as puncture wounds, animal bites, or severe burns, you should call your doctor before using this medicine.

  • You should not use this medicine for more than 7 days, unless your doctor has told you to. If your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse, stop using this medicine and call your doctor.

Neosporin interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine or drops in your eyes.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney problems.

  • If your condition does not get better, or gets worse, while you are using this medicine, call your doctor.

  • You should not use this medicine for more than 7 days, unless your doctor has told you to. If your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse, stop using this medicine and call your doctor.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • For more serious wounds such as puncture wounds, animal bites, or severe burns, you should call your doctor before using this medicine.

Neosporin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Increased redness, burning, or pain in your eye

  • Swelling of your eyelid

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe eye itching, swelling, or redness

  • Rash, hives, swelling, or itching that was not there before you started the medicine.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild irritation in your eye when you use the drops

  • Eye irritiation when the drops are put in

  • Watery eyes

  • Minor skin tingling after putting on the medicine