Bacitracin / Hydrocortisone / Neomycin / Polymyxin B Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2024.

Applies to bacitracin/hydrocortisone/neomycin/polymyxin b topical: external ointment.

Serious side effects

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.
• Signs of a weak adrenal gland like a very bad upset stomach or throwing up, very bad dizziness or passing out, muscle weakness, feeling very tired, mood changes, not hungry, or weight loss.
• Irritation where this drug is used.
• Redness.
• Swelling.
• Pain.
• Skin changes (pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth).
• Hearing loss.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.

Other side effects

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 any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Burning.
• Dry skin.

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.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to bacitracin/hydrocortisone/neomycin/polymyxin b topical: topical ointment.

General adverse events

The possibility of systemic side effects should be considered when steroid preparations are used for a long period of time.^[Ref]

Local

Topical corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Neomycin:

• Frequency not reported: Skin sensitization

Topical Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Striae^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Allergic sensitization^[Ref]

Renal

Neomycin:

• Frequency not reported: Nephrotoxicity^[Ref]

Other

Neomycin:

• Frequency not reported: Ototoxicity^[Ref]

Further information

Bacitracin/hydrocortisone/neomycin/polymyxin b topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer