Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment Description

Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment is a prescription strength medication that is applied topically to minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to prevent and fight the bacteria that may be involved in these injuries. The three active ingredients in Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment are Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Bacitracin. These are all bactericidal, which means that they work to kill the bacteria that can cause an infection and not simply stop their growth. If you have sustained a deep laceration or have a more extensive burn injury, your doctor can recommend an alternative treatment better suited for larger wounds.

How The 3 Active Ingredients in Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment Work

When applied topically as directed, Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment will put all the active ingredients to work in order to attack the targeted bacteria in slightly different ways. This will ensure the bacteria have been killed.

Neomycin inhibits the production of certain proteins that the bacteria need in order to multiply. Polymyxin interferes with the components that are essential for bacteria to build cell membranes, causing the contents to leak out and outside substances to seep in. Bacitracin helps to break down the cell walls and prevents additional cells from being produced.

Conditions Treated by Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

For any minor wounds and burns, Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment will help to heal the wound while keeping bacteria from being able to find its way into the lesion. Our bodies are host to a variety of bacteria that usually mind their own business while keeping other bacteria away. Inside and outside, our body requires some bacteria to keep things running smoothly. However, a cut, scrape, rash, burn, or whatever takes place that can cause a break in our skin, bacteria head straight for it.

Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment provides barrier protection while also keeping the wound or burn from drying out and cracking every time the area is disturbed. Applying a bandage or dressing to the area can also help to keep bacteria out. Your first step is to clean the affected area and pat dry before applying Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment in case there is dirt or debris in or around that can obstruct the healing and protection that this topical medicine provides.

Before You Apply Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

Ask your doctor if Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment is safe to use if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions or food and drug allergies you have and list any OTC and Rx medications you take, including herbal preparations and vitamin supplements. This allows your doctor to determine if Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment is the right medicine to use for your injury.

Proper Use of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

If the area you are treating has not improved in seven days after applying Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment as directed, return to your doctor for further advice or a different medication. Avoid getting Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment in your eyes, nose, or mouth if you are applying on your face, and rinse out any that gets into your eyes with cool tap water immediately if this happens. Safety and effectiveness has not been confirmed for using Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment in children under two years of age.

Possible Side Effects of Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

• Itching
• Skin rash
• Swelling

Drugs Similar to Neosporin Antibiotic Ointment

• Polysporin Triple Antibiotic Ointment
• Bactroban Ointment
• Flamazine Cream