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Overview: Topical triple antibiotic is applied to your skin to reduce the risk of infection from minor wounds or injuries. Topical triple antibiotic should only be used on your skin after cleaning it. If you need to, you can cover the area with a bandage after applying it. Stop using topical triple antibiotic and contact your health care provider if the area you are using it on seems to be getting worse instead of better or you think you are allergic to it. 

Uses

What is topical triple antibiotic used for?

Topical triple antibiotic is commonly used to reduce infection risk after minor cuts, scratches, or burns. 

Topical triple antibiotic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical triple antibiotic work (mechanism of action)?

Topical triple antibiotic has three different medicines in it: neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin. Polymyxin B and bacitracin kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to build a cell wall and weakening their cell membrane. Neomycin kills certain types of bacteria by keeping the bacteria from making a protein that they need to live. 

How is topical triple antibiotic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Neosporin
  • Triple Antibiotic Ointment

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 400 units/3.5 mg/5000 units topical cream or ointment

How should I store topical triple antibiotic?

Store topical triple antibiotic at room temperature according to the package instructions. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. Do not freeze it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical triple antibiotic?

The most common side effect of topical triple antibiotic is allergic contact dermatitis. Tell your health care provider if you have this or any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of topical triple antibiotic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical triple antibiotic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical triple antibiotic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical triple antibiotic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical triple antibiotic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical triple antibiotic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical triple antibiotic.

  • Bacitracin
  • Neomycin
  • Neosporin
  • Polymyxin B
  • Triple Antibiotic Ointment
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical triple antibiotic products they stock.

What should I know about topical triple antibiotic before using it?

Read and follow the directions on the product or follow your health care provider’s recommendations. Topical triple antibiotic should only be used on your skin after cleaning it. Do not get it in your eyes or mouth. 

You should not use topical triple antibiotic on any of the following unless your health care provider tells you to do so.

  • Large areas of your body
  • Where an animal bit you
  • For a serious burn
  • On a deep wound or a puncture wound

After applying topical triple antibiotic, you can cover the area with a clean bandage. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions about this.

Keep topical triple antibiotic out of the reach of children.

You should stop using topical triple antibiotic and contact your health care provider if any of the following happen.

  • Your skin seems to look worse instead of better
  • You have been using it for seven days or longer 
  • You get a rash or think you are allergic to it

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical triple antibiotic?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if topical triple antibiotic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical triple antibiotic could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical triple antibiotic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical triple antibiotic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical triple antibiotic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical triple antibiotic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical triple antibiotic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical triple antibiotic, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Does topical triple antibiotic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical triple antibiotic ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical triple antibiotic?

If you or someone else has used too much topical triple antibiotic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical triple antibiotic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.