Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Pramoxine

Generic name: Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Pramoxine [ bas-i-TRAY-sin, nee-oh-MYE-sin, pol-i-MIKS-in-bee, & pra-MOKS-een ]
Brand names: Neosporin + Pain Relief Ointment, Tri Biozene
Drug class: Topical antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 21, 2024.

Uses of Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Pramoxine:

• It is used to avoid or treat skin infections.
• It is used to ease pain from skin irritations.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Pramoxine?

• If you have an allergy to bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, pramoxine, or any other part of bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and pramoxine.
• If you are allergic to bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and pramoxine; any part of bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and pramoxine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If a large area needs to be treated.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and pramoxine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Pramoxine?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and pramoxine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and pramoxine is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and pramoxine while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Pramoxine) best taken?

Use bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and pramoxine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Do not take bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and pramoxine by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• It may be covered with a bandage or dressing.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Related/similar drugs

Bactrim, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, bacitracin topical, tetracycline topical, Neosporin

What are some other side effects of Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Pramoxine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Pramoxine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and pramoxine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer