DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Neosporin Cream ‡

‡ In Canada, Neosporin cream also contains gramicidin.

† Not commercially available in Canada.

Category

• Antibacterial, topical

Description

Neomycin and polymyxin B (nee-oh-MYE-sin and pol-i-MIX-in bee)combination is used to prevent bacterial infections. It works by killing bacteria.

Neomycin and polymyxin B cream is applied to the skin to prevent minor bacterial skin infections. It may also be used for other problems as determined by your doctor.

This medicine is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine for your medical problem.

Neomycin and polymyxin B combination is available in the following dosage form:

• Topical
• Cream (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For neomycin and polymyxin B topical preparations, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to neomycin and polymyxin B combination or to any related antibiotic: Amikacin (e.g., Amikin), colistimethate (e.g., Coly-Mycin M), colistin (e.g., Coly-Mycin S), gentamicin (e.g., Garamycin), kanamycin (e.g., Kantrex), neomycin by mouth or 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 you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy—Neomycin and polymyxin B topical preparations have not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—Neomycin and polymyxin B topical preparations have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of neomycin and polymyxin B combination in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—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 neomycin and polymyxin B combination in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other 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. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.

Proper Use of This Medicine

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, do not use it to treat deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, serious burns, or raw areas without first checking with your health care professional.

Do not use this medicine in the eyes .

To use:

• Before applying this medicine, wash the affected area(s) with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.
• Apply a small amount of this medicine to the affected area(s) and rub in gently.
• After applying this medicine, the treated area(s) may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.

Do not use this medicine for longer than 1 week or on large areas of the skin , unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

To help clear up your skin infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses .

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

• For topical dosage form (cream):
  • For prevention of minor bacterial infections:
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin one to three times a day.
    • Children up to 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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—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 sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If your skin infection does not improve within 1 week, or if it becomes worse, check with 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 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, pain, skin rash, swelling, redness, or other sign of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine

Rare

Loss of hearing

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

Revised: 06/09/1994

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