Neosporin
(neomycin / polymyxin / bacitracin)
Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
Helps prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
Download Fact Sheet
Download Fact Sheet
Our bottom line
Neosporin (neomycin / polymyxin / bacitracin) is an effective, over-the-counter, first-line infection prevention in minor scrapes, cuts, and burns.
Quick facts about Neosporin
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (neomycin / polymyxin / bacitracin)
Upsides
- Can help your wound heal faster.
- Comes in a ointment, cream, foam and spray.
- Is available over-the-counter.
- A more affordable generic option is also available.
- Comes in formulations that can also help treat pain, itch, and scars.
Get the newsletter!
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
Get our free fact sheet
What to expect from Neosporin, on one page
Tried Neosporin? Write a review!
Downsides
- May not be effective for large or deep cuts.
Get the newsletter!
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
Get our free fact sheet
What to expect from Neosporin, on one page
How it works
Neosporin (neomycin / polymyxin / bacitracin) contains three first aid antibiotics that prevent infection by killing bacteria.
Quick facts about Neosporin
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (neomycin / polymyxin / bacitracin)
Used for
- Minor cuts
- Minor scrapes
- Minor burns
Dosage forms
- Cream
- Ointment
- Foam
- Spray
Tried Neosporin? Write a review!
What to expect when you take Neosporin (neomycin / polymyxin / bacitracin) for Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Redness of the skin
- Skin itching
- Local swelling of the skin
- Skin irritation
Side effect rates for Neosporin (neomycin / polymyxin / bacitracin)
Risks and Warnings for Neosporin (neomycin / polymyxin / bacitracin)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Do not use Neosporin (neomycin / polymyxin / bacitracin) if you are allergic to any of these ingrediants: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymxyin B. Stop using and talk to a doctor if you experience rashes, hives, or other allergic reactions.