This medication is used to prevent and treat minor skin
infections caused by small cuts, scrapes, or burns. It is available without
a prescription for self-medication.
Do not use this product over large areas of the body.
Ask your doctor first before using this product for serious skin injuries
or infections (such as deep cuts, puncture wounds, animal bites, serious
burns). A different treatment may be necessary for these types of
conditions.
This product contains neomycin, bacitracin, and
polymyxin, antibiotics that work by stopping the growth of bacteria. This
medication prevents/treats only bacterial skin infections. It will not work
for other types of skin infections (such as infections caused by fungi,
viruses). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its
decreased effectiveness.
This medication is for use on the skin only. Follow all
directions on the product package or use as directed by your doctor. If you
have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Clean and dry the affected skin area. If you are using
the ointment, wash your hands first. Then apply a small amount of
medication (no more than can fit on your finger tip) in a thin layer on the
skin and rub in gently, usually 1 to 3 times a day. Wash your hands after
applying the ointment. If you are using the spray, shake the container well
before using, then spray a small amount on the affected area as directed,
usually 1 to 3 times a day. You may cover small treatment areas with a
sterile bandage.
Do not use large amounts of this medication or apply
this more often or for a longer period than directed. Your condition will
not clear faster, but the risk of side effects may be increased. Do not use
this product for longer than 1 week unless directed by your doctor. Do not
use this medication on irritated skin in a child's diaper area unless
directed by the doctor. After applying the medication to the diaper area,
do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or inside the
nose or mouth. If this occurs, wipe off the medication and rinse thoroughly
with water.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
after a few days or if it gets worse. If you think you may have a serious
medical problem, get medical help right away.
This product usually has no side effects. If you have
any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Rarely, use of this medication may result in other types
of skin infections (such as fungal or other bacterial infections). Contact
your doctor if you notice any unusual skin symptoms or if your condition
does not improve.
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to neomycin, bacitracin, or polymyxin; or to
aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin, tobramycin); or if you have
any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which
can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if the medications in this product pass
into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change
the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: hearing problems, change
in the amount of urine.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, apply the medication as soon as you
remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose.
Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.