Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Topical
Brand Name(s): Cortisporin Ointment® (as a combination product containing Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Bacitracin, Hydrocortisone), Cortisporin Cream® (as a combination product containing Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Hydrocortisone); also available generically
Neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination is used to treat skin infections caused by certain bacteria and to treat the redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of various skin conditions. Neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin are in a class of medications called antibiotics. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Hydrocortisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
This combination comes as a cream (containing neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone) and as an ointment (containing neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone) to apply to the skin. It is usually used two to four times a day. Use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination is only for use on the skin. Do not use the medication in your eyes. Do not use the medication in your ears if you have a hole or tear in your eardrum.
To use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination, apply a small amount of medication to cover the affected area of skin with a thin, even film and rub in gently.
Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor tells you that you should.
Your symptoms should begin to improve during the first few days of treatment with neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination. If redness, irritation, swelling, or pain do not improve or get worse, stop using the medication and call your doctor. Do not use this medication longer than 7 days, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination:
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to neomycin (Neo-Fradin, Mycifradin, others); polymyxin; bacitracin (Baciim); hydrocortisone (Anusol HC, Cortef, others); aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin (Gentak, Genoptic), kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and tobramycin (Tobrex, Tobi); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone cream or ointment. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have any type of viral skin infection such as cold sores (fever blisters; blisters that are caused by a virus called herpes simplex), chickenpox, or herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past); tuberculosis (TB; a serious infection that infects the lungs and other parts of the body) infection of the skin; or a fungal skin infection. Your doctor will probably tell you not to use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination, call your doctor.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream or ointment to make up for a missed dose.
Neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stretch marks on the skin
- skin thinning
- small white or red bumps on the skin
- acne
- unwanted hair growth
- skin color changes
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination and call your doctor immediately:
- skin redness, burning, swelling, or irritation
- skin dryness or scaling
- hearing loss, which may be permanent
- decreased urination
- swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- puffy face
- bone pain
- weight gain
- easy bruising
Children who use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination for longer periods of time may have an increased risk of side effects including slowed growth. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of applying this medication to your child's skin.
Neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone combination may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: June 15, 2018.
