Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B
About Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B
Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B is primarily used as a first-aid antibiotic to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns on the skin. Bacterial skin infection occurs when bacteria penetrate through hair follicles or the broken skin and cause infection.
Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B is composed of three antibiotic medicines: Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B. Bacitracin is a bacteriostatic medicine that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Neomycin prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Polymyxin B destroys the bacterial membranes by binding to the phospholipids on the cell membranes of gram-negative bacteria. This process of binding causes the loss of essential metabolites in bacteria. Together, Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B treats bacterial skin infections.
Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose that suits your infection. Common side effects of Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B include itching, skin irritation, rash, redness, and swelling at the application site. These side effects may not occur in every patient using this medication and differ individually. If the side effects persist longer or worsen, please seek a doctor's advice.
Inform your doctor if you are sensitive to Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B or other medications. Do not apply Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B on deep puncture wounds, serious burns, deep cuts or an animal bite. Let your doctor know if you have viral or fungal skin infections, chronic ear infections, and ruptured ear drum before using Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B.
Uses of Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B
• Wound Healing: Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B helps heal minor cuts and scrapes by preventing infection and aiding the body's natural recovery process.
• Burn Relief: Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B helps with minor burn relief by reducing infection risk and soothing discomfort.
• Post-Surgical Care: Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B is used in post-surgical care to shield minor incision sites from bacterial infection, supporting a smoother and faster recovery.
• Minor cuts and scrapes: Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B is often used to treat minor cuts and scrapes to help prevent infection and promote healing by killing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and supporting the healing process.
Medicinal Benefits
Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B is composed of three antibiotic medicines, namely Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B. Bacitracin is a bacteriostatic medicine (that stops the growth or reproduction of bacteria). It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic and prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Polymyxin B, an antibiotic, destroys the bacterial membrane by binding to the phospholipids on the cell membranes of gram-negative bacteria. This process of binding causes the loss of essential metabolites in bacteria. Together, Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B treats bacterial skin infections.
Directions for Use
- Use Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B as advised by your doctor.
- Apply Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B to the clean and dry affected area. Cover it with a sterile bandage if advised by a doctor.
- Do not apply over larger areas of the body.
- For external use only. Not for use in the eyes.
- Do not use for more than 1 week unless advised by a doctor.
Storage
Side Effects of Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B
- Itching
- Skin irritation
- Rash
- Redness
- Swelling at the application site
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you have viral or fungal skin infections, chronic ear infections, and ruptured ear drum before using Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B. Avoid applying Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B on sunburns, lesions, blisters and open wounds. Do not wash the treated areas for a minimum of 3 hours after you apply Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B. Let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant, are already pregnant or are a lactating mother before using Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B. Use Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B in children above 2 years only if a doctor recommends it.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform the doctor if you are taking other antibiotics (amikacin, tobramycin, gentamicin).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions were found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Brief your doctor if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines, viral or fungal skin infections, chronic ear infections, and ruptured ear drums.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interactions were found/ established. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorYou are advised to consult your doctor if you are pregnant before starting Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere are limited studies on how Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B affects breastfed infants. Please consult your doctor before starting Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B if you are breastfeeding. If you need to apply the ointment on your breasts, don't do this shortly before giving a feed.
Driving
safe if prescribedBacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment before starting Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B.
Kidney
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before starting Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B.
Children
cautionBacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B is not recommended for use in children below 2 years of age. Please consult your doctor. Do not use this medicine for your child unless recommended by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap when taking baths, and opt for warm baths.
- Always wear loose-fitting clothes to prevent further sweating and the spread of skin infections.
- Do not scratch the affected skin area.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bed sheets, shoes, or socks with others.
- Wash your bed sheets and towels regularly.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
Special Advise
- It is advised to contact your doctor if the infection symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment.
- Avoid contact of Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B with nose, mouth or eyes. If Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B accidentally comes in contact with these areas, rinse with water thoroughly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial skin infection: Bacterial skin infection occurs when bacteria penetrate through hair follicles or the broken skin breaks and cause infection. Symptoms include redness, pain, and tenderness of the skin, minor bumps or boils, rashes, blisters, cracked/dry skin, swelling, stinging or burning sensation, pus formation, and itching. Bacterial skin infections are generally mild and can be treated using topical antibiotics. Sometimes, for a severe infection, an oral antibiotic may be required. Common bacterial infections include cellulitis (red and swollen skin), erysipelas (large patches on the skin), impetigo (red sores on the face), folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), and carbuncles (pus-filled bumps).
FAQs
Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B is used as a first-aid antibiotic to prevent bacterial infections in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns on the skin.
Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B consists of antibiotic medications, namely: Bacitracin, Neomycin and Polymyxin B. It inhibits bacterial growth by causing damage to its cell wall and prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out their vital functions.
Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B is not recommended for use in fungal or viral skin infections. It is effective only against bacterial skin infections and minor skin infections caused by small cuts, scrapes, or burns.
Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B is not recommended for use on deep cuts, puncture wounds, animal bites, and serious burns.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B based on the severity of your infection. It is advised to use Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B only for the prescribed period since long-term usage may cause weakening and thinning of the skin.
Please do not stop using Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B on your own even if the symptoms are relieved. Your symptoms may improve before the skin infection is completely cured. Continue using Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B until the course advised by the doctor is finished.
Avoid using Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B on deep wounds like punctures, burns, cuts, or animal bites. If you have allergies, skin infections, ear problems, or any underlying conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before applying. Always follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment.
No. Using a higher dose than recommended may increase the risk of side effects without providing additional benefits. Always follow the prescribed dosage.
Store the Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. Once the tube is empty, dispose of it responsibly according to local waste management guidelines. This typically involves discarding it in a household waste container or taking it to a designated hazardous waste collection point.
Always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor or the directions printed on the product label. The frequency of application may change depending on the severity of your infection.
Yes, it's safe to use for children. However, always consult your paediatrician for specific dosage instructions and to ensure they are appropriate for your child's age and condition.
No, Bacitracin+neomycin+polymyxin B is not intended to treat sunburn. Sunburns require cooling and hydration. Consult a doctor if you have severe sunburn.
