Triple Antibiotic Ointment

bacterial skin infections

Bacitracin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment), Neomycin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment), and polymyxin B are antibiotics that kill bacteria on your skin.

Bacitracin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment), Neomycin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment), and polymyxin B topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used as a first aid antibiotic to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns on your skin.

Bacitracin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment), Neomycin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment), and polymyxin B topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

• clean the affected area
• apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily
• may be covered with a sterile bandage

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Before you apply this medication, wash the skin area with soap and water and then dry it thoroughly.

Do not apply the ointment over large skin areas. Do not use on a deep cut, an animal bite, or a serious burn. Contact your doctor for instructions on how to treat these more severe skin injuries.

This medication can be applied up to 3 times each day, or as directed on the medicine label. Cover the wound with a bandage if desired. Clean the wound and use a new bandage each time you apply the medicine.

Use the ointment for as many days as recommended on the label or by your doctor, even if your symptoms start getting better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if they get worse while using Bacitracin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment), Neomycin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment), and polymyxin B topical.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any ointment not used before the expiration date on the medicine label.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

A rare but serious side effect of Neomycin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment) is hearing loss, which has occurred in people using other forms of Neomycin (Triple Antibiotic Ointment). It is unlikely that you would absorb enough of this medicine through your skin to cause this effect. Call your doctor at once if you notice any changes in your hearing.

Call your doctor at once if you have severe redness or irritation, swelling, pus, oozing, or other signs of infection.

Common side effects may include:

• mild itching or rash; or

• minor skin irritation after using the medicine.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.