Neomycin Sulfate + Bacitracin Zinc + Polymyxin B Sulfate
Indications
This ointment (neomycin sulfate, bacitracin zinc and polymyxin B sulfate) can be used to treat infected wounds, burns and skin grafts. It also helps when preparing donor sites for skin grafting, and it can prevent infection in extensive burns and contaminated wounds. In the local treatment of chronic varicose ulcers and other indolent ulcers, it is of value too. The preparation is also useful for furuncles, carbuncles, pyoderma, sycosis barbae, impetigo and acne. It has been used as well for secondary infected skin lesions of scabies, pediculosis, tinea pedis, and contact and allergic dermatitis.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Polymyxin B sulfate combined with Neomycin and Bacitracin zinc comes closest to what an ideal topical antibacterial preparation should be. Together they cover virtually all the pathogenic bacteria found on the skin and mucous membranes, and all three antibiotics are bactericidal. They are rarely irritating when used topically, and very little is absorbed through the skin or mucous membrane.
Polymyxin B sulphate attacks gram-negative bacilli, including clinically isolated strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most other antibiotics leave this organism out of their spectrum, but it is highly susceptible to polymyxin B sulphate, which is acknowledged to be the most effective agent known for treating and preventing Pseudomonas infections.
Neomycin acts as a bactericidal agent against various gram-positive organisms and against gram-negative organisms, including many strains of Proteus. Various authorities consider it the most effective antibiotic against Staphylococcus aureus, which is one of the more common causes of topical bacterial infections.
Bacitracin zinc is highly active against gram-positive bacilli and cocci. It also extends the spectrum to haemolytic streptococci, and that completes the antibacterial range of this Ointment.
The bactericidal spectra of the three antibiotics overlap, so using them together gives increased activity through their combined action.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
We don't have much information on how topically applied neomycin affects pregnancy or breastfeeding. But neomycin that gets into the mother's blood can cross the placenta, and that gives a theoretical risk of foetal toxicity. For this reason, this ointment is not recommended in pregnancy and lactation.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.