Can you use neosporin while pregnant: Neosporin: Package Insert – Drugs.com
Neosporin: Package Insert – Drugs.com
Package insert / product label
Generic name: neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate and bacitracin zinc
Dosage form: Ophthalmic Ointment
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 21, 2022.
On This Page
- Description
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Indications and Usage
- Contraindications
- Warnings
- Precautions
- Patient Counseling Information
- Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
- Dosage and Administration
- How Supplied/Storage and Handling
Description
Neosporin OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and bacitracin zinc ophthalmic ointment) is a sterile antimicrobial ointment for ophthalmic use. Each gram contains: neomycin sulfate equivalent to 3.5 mg neomycin base, polymyxin B sulfate equivalent to 10,000 polymyxin B units, bacitracin zinc equivalent to 400 bacitracin units, and white petrolatum, q.
s.
Neomycin sulfate is the sulfate salt of neomycin B and C, which are produced by the growth of Streptomyces fradiae Waksman (Fam. Streptomycetaceae). It has a potency equivalent of not less than 600 µg of neomycin standard per mg, calculated on an anhydrous basis. The structural formulae are:
Polymyxin B sulfate is the sulfate salt of polymyxin B1 and B2, which are produced by the growth of Bacillus polymyxa (Prazmowski) Migula (Fam. Bacillaceae). It has a potency of not less than 6,000 polymyxin B units per mg, calculated on an anhydrous basis. The structural formulae are:
Bacitracin zinc is the zinc salt of bacitracin, a mixture of related cyclic polypeptides (mainly bacitracin A) produced by the growth of an organism of the licheniformis group of Bacillus subtilis var Tracy. It has a potency of not less than 40 bacitracin units per mg. The structural formula is:
Clinical Pharmacology
A wide range of antibacterial action is provided by the overlapping spectra of neomycin, polymyxin B sulfate, and bacitracin.
Neomycin is bactericidal for many gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. It is an aminoglycoside antibiotic which inhibits protein synthesis by binding with ribosomal RNA and causing misreading of the bacterial genetic code.
Polymyxin B is bactericidal for a variety of gram-negative organisms. It increases the permeability of the bacterial cell membrane by interacting with the phospholipid components of the membrane.
Bacitracin is bactericidal for a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. It interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis by inhibition of the regeneration of phospholipid receptors involved in peptidoglycan synthesis.
Microbiology: Neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, and bacitracin zinc together are considered active against the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella/Enterobacter species, Neisseria species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The product does not provide adequate coverage against Serratia marcescens.
Indications and Usage
Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment is indicated for the topical treatment of superficial infections of the external eye and its adnexa caused by susceptible bacteria. Such infections encompass conjunctivitis, keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis and blepharoconjunctivitis.
Contraindications
Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment is contraindicated in individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Warnings
NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE. Neosporin OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT should never be directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye. Ophthalmic ointments may retard corneal wound healing.
Topical antibiotics, particularly neomycin sulfate, may cause cutaneous sensitization. A precise incidence of hypersensitivity reactions (primarily skin rash) due to topical antibiotics is not known. The manifestations of sensitization to topical antibiotics are usually itching, reddening, and edema of the conjunctiva and eyelid.
A sensitization reaction may manifest simply as a failure to heal. During long-term use of topical antibiotic products, periodic examination for such signs is advisable, and the patient should be told to discontinue the product if they are observed. Symptoms usually subside quickly on withdrawing the medication. Application of products containing these ingredients should be avoided for the patient thereafter (see PRECAUTIONS: General).
Precautions
General
As with other antibiotic preparations, prolonged use of Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. If superinfection occurs, appropriate measures should be initiated.
Bacterial resistance to Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment may also develop. If purulent discharge, inflammation, or pain become aggravated, the patient should discontinue use of the medication and consult a physician.
There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of topical ophthalmic products in multiple-dose containers which have been inadvertently contaminated by patients, most of whom had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface (see PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients).
Allergic cross-reactions may occur which could prevent the use of any or all of the following antibiotics for the treatment of future infections: kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and possibly gentamicin.
Information for Patients
Patients should be instructed to avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing container to contact the eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface. The use of this product by more than one person may spread infection.
Patients should also be instructed that ocular products, if handled improperly, can become contaminated by common bacteria known to cause ocular infections. Serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated products (see PRECAUTIONS: General).
If the condition persists or gets worse, or if a rash or allergic reaction develops, the patient should be advised to stop use and consult a physician. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the listed ingredients.
Keep tightly closed when not in use.
Keep out of reach of children.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Long-term studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic or mutagenic potential have not been conducted with polymyxin B sulfate or bacitracin. Treatment of cultured human lymphocytes in vitrowith neomycin increased the frequency of chromosome aberrations at the highest concentration (80 µg/mL) tested; however, the effects of neomycin on carcinogenesis and mutagenesis in humans are unknown.
Polymyxin B has been reported to impair the motility of equine sperm, but its effects on male or female fertility are unknown. No adverse effects on male or female fertility, litter size or survival were observed in rabbits given bacitracin zinc 100 gm/ton of diet.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, or bacitracin, It is also not known whether Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity./can-cervical-mucus-tell-you-if-youre-pregnant-1960286_color1-5b4e3085c9e77c0037c50cc7.png)
Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions have occurred with the anti-infective components of Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment. The exact incidence is not known. Reactions occurring most often are allergic sensitization reactions including itching, swelling, and conjunctival erythema (see WARNINGS). More serious hypersensivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported rarely.
Local irritation on instillation has also been reported.
Dosage and Administration
Apply the ointment every 3 or 4 hours for 7 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the infection.
How Supplied
Tube of 1/8 oz (3.5 g) with ophthalmic tip (NDC 0081-0732-86).
Caution: Federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription.
Store at 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F).
Manufactured by:
Burroughs Wellcome Inc.
Kirkland; Que., Canada H9H 4J4 for
BURROUGHS WELLCOME CO.
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
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5 ug in 1 g| Labeler – Burroughs Wellcome Inc. |
Burroughs Wellcome Inc.
Frequently asked questions
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Patient resources
- Drug Information
- Neomycin, polymyxin b, and bacitracin (Ophthalmic) (Advanced Reading)
Professional resources
- Prescribing Information
Other brands
Neo-Polycin
Related treatment guides
- Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
- Blepharitis
- Blepharoconjunctivitis
- Hordeolum
- Keratitis
- Keratoconjunctivitis
Medical Disclaimer
Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical))
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical))?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin B.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
- chronic ear infections; or
- a ruptured (torn) eardrum.
It is not known whether bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B topical should not be used on a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical))?
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 is hearing loss, which has occurred in people using other forms of neomycin. 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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical)) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known whether bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical))?
Do not take by mouth. Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B topical is for use only on your skin. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Avoid applying other creams, lotions, ointments, or other medicated skin products to the same areas you treat with bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical))?
Use Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical)) 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.
What should I do if I missed a dose of Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical))?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical))?
If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical)), call your doctor or the Poison Control center
(800) 222-1222
If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Neosporin (Bacitracin, Neomycin, And Polymyxin B (Topical)), call 911
911
Neomycin and Polymyxin B | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Adult Medication
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Provided by Lexicomp ® , this document contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.
Trade names: Canada
Neosporin Irrigating Solution
What is this drug used for?
- This drug is used to flush the bladder.
What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?
- If you have an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
- If you have a ruptured bladder.
- If you have recently had bladder surgery.
This list of drugs and conditions that may interact with this drug is not exhaustive.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor’s advice.
What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?
- Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
- Perform urine tests as directed by your doctor.
- Do not take this drug for longer than the period of time prescribed by your doctor.
- If you are 65 years of age or older, use this drug with caution. You may experience more side effects.
- If the patient is a child, use this drug with caution. Children may have a higher risk of some side effects.
- When used during pregnancy, the drug may have a harmful effect on the fetus. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is necessary to consult whether the drug poses any risk to the child.
What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?
WARNING.
In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly in combination with fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Hearing change.
- Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine produced.
- Muscle weakness.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Talk to your doctor or get medical help if these or any other side effects bother you or don’t go away:
- Bladder irritation.
This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.
You can report side effects to the National Health Board.
You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What is the best way to take this drug?
Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.
- Do not take this medicine by mouth (by mouth). Only for washing the bladder.
What if I miss a dose of a drug?
- This drug will be given in a health facility.
How do I store and/or discard this drug?
- This drug will be given to you in a hospital or doctor’s office. You will not keep it at home.
General information about medicines
- If your health does not improve or even worsens, see your doctor.
- Do not give your medicine to anyone and do not take other people’s medicines.
- Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
- Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.
- Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
- Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. Check with your pharmacist. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
- If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability
This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for a particular patient.
UpToDate, Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim any warranties or liabilities related to this information or its use. The use of this information is subject to the Terms of Use found at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last revision date
2021-10-25
Copyright
© UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors, 2023. All rights reserved.
Date last updated
Monday, December 12, 2022
What are the similarities and differences between Levomekol and Baneocin
When an infection gets into abrasions, cuts and other skin lesions, the process of purulent inflammation begins. If the body’s own defenders can no longer cope, then heavy artillery is used – antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs. Levomikol and Baneocin are precisely from the category of drugs that help the body cope with the infection. And what are these means, how do they differ, which of them and when is it better to use, it is worth figuring out.
Baneocin – an antibacterial agent from Europe
Austrian-made drug Baneocin became known in Ukraine relatively recently. On the shelves of pharmacies, it is presented in two forms: powder and ointment. It contains two antibiotics – Bacitracinum and Neomycinum, one of which destroys the membrane of pathogenic microorganisms, and the second stops the production of protein in their cells. Bacteria cease to multiply, develop, as a result of which they die. The amount of substances in both forms is the same.
The antibacterial substances included in Baneocin are active against such pathogenic bacteria as:
- streptococci;
- staphylococci;
- Haemophilus influenzae;
- herpes virus, etc.
Bactericidal efficacy of Levomekol ointment
Levomekol ointment produced by a domestic manufacturer has long been known to Ukrainian consumers and is in great demand. This is due to its effectiveness, which is due to the combination of the antibiotic chloramphenicol and the wound healing drug methyluracil.
Methyluracil promotes skin healing and restoration. The antibiotic suppresses infection caused by pathogenic microbes such as:
- gonococci;
- mengococci;
- shigella;
- Haemophilus influenzae;
- salmonella.
What the two drugs have in common
Having antibiotics in their composition, Levomekol and Baneocin work in the same direction – the fight against infection in damaged tissues. Despite the fact that the active substances are different, they effectively act against the same groups of microorganisms. Both drugs practically do not cause negative consequences, with the exception of individual characteristics.
What are the features of drugs Baneocin and Levomekol
If we consider the drugs for which of them copes with the treatment better, then this would be inappropriate. Both drugs perfectly solve the problem. But there are a number of differences that are important to consider before using them.
Levomekol, in addition to the destruction of pathogenic microflora, helps to accelerate tissue repair. This is due to the presence of methyluracil in it. Ointment is more often used in the treatment of places after operations, extensive burns, inflammation. The therapeutic effect is achieved by applying the ointment directly to the wound or by impregnating sterile bandages applied to the inflammation site. Another important feature of the product can be called polyethylene glycol, an additional substance that is part of the ointment. Being a binding component for the main substances, in the course of treatment it plays the role of an adsorbent for ichor and pus. Contraindications include children under 1 year of age.
Recommendations for Baneocin contain the following contraindications. Although the drug is not absorbed into the skin, applied in large quantities over large areas, it can penetrate the bloodstream and cause an overdose. This is fraught with poisoning of the body, disruption of the kidneys, liver and hearing.
Ointment or powder is applied to the wound in a thin layer. The amount of funds per day is limited to 1 gram. Baneocin has no age indicator. It is used in pediatrics from birth.
What drug and when is it better to use
As a panacea for bacterial infections on damaged skin, both preparations contain antibiotics. Therefore, it is important to carefully approach the issue of treatment.
When it comes to a small cut, burn or an unsuccessfully squeezed pimple, you can safely seek the help of Baneocin. And here there is a nuance. The wound, which is covered with a crust, is best treated with Baneocin in the form of an ointment. The role of connecting components for it is played by paraffin and lanolin. These substances help soften the dried layer and accelerate the penetration of antibiotics into the focus of inflammation. In the powdered form of the drug, the active substances are bound by purified corn starch. Therefore, it will be more convenient to use powder on wet surfaces of damage.